Meet the site
The Cluster is a group of four large bommies arranged in the shape of a cross on Bait Reef, described by the North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club as a night-dive location and a turtle resting ground. 100 Magic Miles lists 'Cluster of Four' among the named stones of the Stepping Stones, which suggests the Cluster is part of, or adjacent to, that line of pinnacles; the sources do not give a precise position. Its compact layout makes it ideal for night diving. Four bommies close together give divers a simple navigation problem – circle one, cross to the next – with the boat's lights overhead and no long swims into darkness. At night turtles sleep wedged under ledges on the bommies, parrotfish rest in mucus cocoons, painted crayfish and slipper lobsters emerge, and feather stars open to feed. By day the same bommies carry the rich coral and fish life of Bait Reef: sweetlips, cod, coral trout, wrasse and schools of fusiliers. The Cluster is sheltered compared with the reef's exposed walls, and current is usually mild, although it can pick up around the bommies on spring tides. Depths are moderate, with bommie tops shallow enough for safety stops. Because night dives on Bait Reef require an overnight vessel, the Cluster is mostly dived from liveaboards and overnight charters out of Airlie Beach. Day-trip boats may also include it when they moor near the Stepping Stones. Divers should not touch or shine torches directly at sleeping turtles for long periods. It is in the Bait Reef green zone.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Cluster (Bait Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Whitsundays & Bowen. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
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 The Cluster (Bait Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 The Cluster (Bait Reef) 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
Green and hawksbill turtles (resting), sweetlips, cod, coral trout, wrasse, fusiliers, painted crayfish, slipper lobsters, parrotfish, feather stars
Location
Four large bommies arranged in a cross on Bait Reef, a turtle resting ground and night-dive site.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) and Hamilton Island marina; air fills, hire and courses at Airlie Beach dive centres. No facilities at the bays.
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
nquec.org.au100magicmiles.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.