Meet the site
Walts Bommie is listed in regional dive guides as a Heron Island site with a flat sandy bottom at about 14 m and scattered bommies. It is less frequently described than the resort's top-ten sites and may be dived under a different name by the current dive team, but it represents a classic Heron Reef habitat: coral heads rising from white sand. The published marine life list includes green and loggerhead turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, and nudibranchs. The bommies provide shelter and cleaning stations, while the sand around them is used by resting sharks and feeding rays. As at all Heron sites, the reef is part of a Marine National Park (Green) Zone and fish life is abundant. The layout makes navigation easy and the depth is moderate, so the site is suitable for all levels. It is a good dive for turtle and shark encounters without the current found at sites such as Hole in the Wall or Three Rocks. Because documentation is sparse, divers should rely on the dive team's briefing for exact details. If the site is not on the current schedule, similar experiences can be found at Coral Cascades, Harry's Bommie or Ned's Bommie. Walts Bommie is included here for completeness, as it appears in the Marine Life Network's list of Heron sites.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Walts Bommie (Heron Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
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 Walts Bommie (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 Walts Bommie (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
Green and loggerhead turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, nudibranchs, reef fish, rays
Location
Scattered bommies on a flat sandy bottom at about 14 m on Heron Reef, with green and loggerhead turtles, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks and nudibranchs.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.