Meet the site
The Turner Artificial Reef was established on 15 May 2015 about 1 nautical mile east of Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula. It consists of six clusters of purpose-built concrete modules – Abitat and Apollo designs engineered to provide ledges, holes and vertical surfaces for fish and invertebrates – in around 6 m of water. It is one of the few Moreton Bay artificial reefs where scuba diving is permitted, along with snorkelling, anchoring, spearfishing and commercial line fishing, according to Queensland Parks. It is primarily a fishing reef, designed to boost habitat for snapper, bream, sweetlip and other bay species close to one of Brisbane's busiest boat ramps, and marinelife.org.au lists it among the inner-bay dive sites. Growth on the modules has developed since installation, with algae, sponges, oysters and ascidians providing food and shelter. Expect small reef fish, bream, snapper, sweetlip, baitfish and occasional cod around the structures, with wobbegongs and rays on the sand. Visibility is the main limitation: the northern bay is shallow and influenced by river runoff, so a few metres is typical and it can be much worse after rain. The site's advantages are its proximity to Scarborough – a five-minute run from the ramp – and its shallow depth, which make it a convenient spot for skills practice, a check dive or a short exploratory dive from a private boat when the outer sites are blown out. It is not a destination dive comparable to Curtin or Flinders Reef. Divers should fly a dive flag, as anglers fish the reef regularly.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Turner Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Brisbane & Moreton Bay. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Turner Artificial Reef 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 Turner Artificial 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
Snapper, bream, sweetlip, baitfish, small cod, wobbegongs, rays, sponges, oysters and ascidians on modules
Location
Clusters of concrete reef modules about 1 nautical mile east of Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula, in about 6 m.
Facilities nearby
Scarborough Boat Harbour: ramp, parking, toilets, cafes, fuel; air fills in Redcliffe/Brisbane.
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
parks.qld.gov.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.