Meet the site
Wild Banks Artificial Reef was established on 14 August 2011 east of Wild Banks, offshore from Bribie Island. It covers 175 hectares at an average depth of about 35 m and is built from steel 'fish caves' – open-framed structures 11 m high and 11 m wide, each weighing 14.4 tonnes. The tall profile was designed to attract pelagic fish such as mackerel, dolphinfish (mahi mahi) and wahoo, which are drawn to vertical structure in open water, and marinelife.org.au lists it among the Moreton Bay reef sites for that reason. Under the Queensland Parks rules, anchoring is prohibited and scuba diving is prohibited, while snorkelling and spearfishing are allowed, with spearfishing limited to 12 m. That makes Wild Banks a freediving and fishing site rather than a scuba dive, and it is included here so divers know its status. For freedivers, the attraction is pelagic fish rising around the top of the structures: mackerel, cobia, amberjack, trevally and dolphinfish, with baitfish schools concentrated over the steel. The structures themselves sit too deep to reach within the spearfishing limit, but the fish life often comes up to meet divers on clear blue-water days. The site is fully exposed to the open ocean, and the approach from Bribie involves crossing a shallow bar that should only be attempted in good conditions and with local knowledge. Scuba divers wanting deep structure in this area should look instead at the ex-HMAS Brisbane off Mooloolaba or at the outer Moreton wrecks. Check the latest reef rules with Queensland Parks before any visit.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wild Banks 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.
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 Wild Banks Artificial Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Wild Banks 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
Spanish and spotted mackerel, dolphinfish, wahoo, cobia, amberjack, trevally, baitfish schools
Location
175-hectare offshore reef of tall steel 'fish caves' in about 35 m east of Wild Banks, off Bribie Island, designed for pelagic fish.
Facilities nearby
Bribie Island ramps (Bongaree) and Scarborough Boat Harbour.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.