Hastings Reef (Latitude 16°31’10.89″ S, Longitude 146°0’30.4632″ E) 50km northeast of Cairns, is a patch Reef shaped like a horseshoe.

This is one of the shallower spots on the Outer Reef due to the bottom’s average depth of 13 meters. In addition, depending on the tides, the reef’s top, also known as the reef flat, is located in only 1-3 meters of water. Hastings Reef is therefore a favourite snorkelling location.

The reef has a clearly defined wall shape that bends in and out. Due to the coral’s natural shape, ravines have been formed that are a lot of fun to explore. In addition, some of the larger reef species can easily hide in the cracks which the coral creates.

Dive sites

Depth Range: 1-15 metres

  • Stepping Stones
  • Split Bommie
  • Cod Hole
  • Maze
  • Wall

Corals

  • Staghorn cora
  • Table coral
  • Brain coral
  • Mushroom coral
  • Elkhorn coral

Marine Life

  • Steephead parrotfish
  • Schools of surgeonfish
  • Rabbitfish
  • Reef squid
  • Drummerfish
  • Black snapper
  • Giant clams
  • Angelfish
  • Coral trout
  • Green sea turtles

Thetford Reef weather forecast

Liveaboards visiting Hastings Reef

Tours visiting Hastings Reef