Meet the site
Tenements 1, known to the dive team as T1, is one of a pair of connected sites on Heron Reef. The mooring sits in 12 m on bright white sand, and from there gutters lead to a small wall that is teeming with sea life, with deeper bommies beyond reaching about 16 m. Its moderate depth and simple layout make it suitable for all levels. Silver drummer, red bass and fusiliers school in the shallower areas, while the wall is decorated with large anemones hosting anemonefish, making it one of the better photo opportunities on the reef. Around the deeper bommies, porcupinefish and flutemouths are common, and the site sees the passing grey reef sharks, barracuda and mackerel that make the adjacent Tenements 2 famous. T1 is often the finishing point of a drift from Tenements 2, since the incoming tide carries divers from T2 towards T1. On its own it can be dived as a stationary dive from the mooring. The resort lists 'Tenements' among its top ten sites. The site suits new divers who want a wall dive at friendly depths, and photographers looking for anemone and schooling-fish images. Because the current can run here, listen to the briefing about which way the dive will go. The earlier database pass combined Tenements 1 and 2 in one row; they are now separate, following the dive operator's own listing. A 'Tenements 3' mentioned in some lists could not be verified from published sources. The white sand around the mooring reflects a lot of light, so even on overcast days the shallow gutters are bright, which helps when photographing the schooling drummer and bass.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tenements 1 (Heron Island) is recorded as Wall in Heron Island & Capricorn Group. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Tenements 1 (Heron Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Tenements 1 (Heron Island) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Large anemones and anemonefish, silver drummer, red bass, fusiliers, porcupinefish, flutemouths, grey reef sharks, barracuda, mackerel, nudibranchs
Location
A Heron Reef site with the mooring in 12 m on white sand, gutters leading to a small wall teeming with life and deeper bommies; 5-16 m and suitable for all levels.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. Access is for resort guests only.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
diversiondivetravel.com.auheronisland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.