The reefs of the Southen Coral Sea, which are actually the tips of ancient mountains, can best be reached from Townsville. Diving here is similar to diving in the northern section of the Coral Sea.

We don't really have a preference for either section as they are both great ! The area is ideal for divers who love plenty of pelagic action in clear, clear water. Of course, you don't have to dive deep. you can see all the action you want in the shallower water as well.

It takes a very stable vessel to make the trip to your dive sites, through the sometimes-rough waters of the Coral Sea.

Anchorage at night is usually in calm and protected lagoons. The reefs come up from 1000 metres and more, to right underneath the surface. Sometimes you can experience strong currents here. The Coral Sea is more suitable for experienced divers. However, it is also possible for not so experienced divers to dive here. You have to allow for a 4 or 7-day trip. Unfortunately, there are no regular scheduled trips at the current time.

Diving is good all year round, however during April-August the trip from Townsville can be a bit rough. Best time is usually September to January. Windspeeds down here are usually about 5 knots less than in the northern Coral Sea.

Location

You can reach the Southern Coral Sea from Townsville and Cairns. The closest reefs are approx. 12 hours away from the coast - beyond the reach of day boats - about 230 km east of Townsville.

The reefs which are visited most are: Flinders Reef, Dart Reef & Lihou Reefs. The wreck of the "SS Yongala" is not actually in the Coral Sea, but is included in the Spoilsport dive excursions. More about the Yongala is included in the "special events" section.

Logistics For Dive Excursions To The Southern Coral Sea Reefs

Currently no regular charters to this part of the Coral Sea.

What To See

The reefs in the in the southern (and northern) Coral Sea are different from the ones on the Barrier Reef. They are like "waterholes" in the "desert" of the expansive Pacific Ocean. Here they are exposed to the never-ending energy of the open ocean and the visibility is awesome. Such exposed "service stations" in the middle of the Pacific are attracting all sorts and sizes of fish in gigantic schools or as single hunters. Anchorage during night is usually in calm and protected lagoons. These lagoons are perfect for night dives as it is possible to observe many of the young/juvenile sea-creatures which are growing up in these protected areas. The reefs of the Coral Sea are famous for their incredibly large gorgonians, and for it's pelagic action.

A huge variety of reef sharks can be seen here, such as: silvertip sharks, hammerheads and grey reef sharks. Also, the chance of seeing Mantas and Eagle Rays is pretty good.

Visibility in the Coral Sea is as good as it gets: average is 30-40 meters (100-130 ft) and more. The reefs climb to the surface from surrounding depths exceeding 1000 meters (3300 ft). These reefs were ancient mountains now turned into reefs, and covered by the sea.

Types Of Diving

You can make plenty of drift dives, as currents are usually good here. Drift along a wall with the current and get picked up at the end of your dive. Some of the most comfortable diving one can do! The area also has caves and swim throughs, especially in the shallower parts.

Dive Sites

Flinders Reef: Offers an area of approximately 1000 km2 (600sq miles). Even on 7 night excursions you can only scratch the surface of what is on offer! The southern Coral Sea leaves a lot of room for exploratory diving. You get a lot of wall dives in the southern Coral Sea. It is a great feeling to dive along those walls, knowing that it is 1000 metres (3300 feet) more to reach the bottom below you.

The walls are covered in a variety of sponges, gorgonians, soft and hard corals. Sharks swim up and down the walls, almost like a patrol. Some areas look almost like forests of soft coral. You see giant gorgonians in this part of the sea, up to 5 metres (15 feet) big! You'll find all kinds of tropical marine life here, clownfish in beautiful anemone, cuttle fish, sea hares, morays, trevally and sharks. The list is endless. For those who have been there before, some of the old time favourite reefs were damaged by the effects of coral bleaching in early 2002. However, you will still be able to dive on some outstanding dive sites.

Scuba Zoo is a site where a shark feeding is organised. A lot of different sharks show up here: silvertips, whitetips, grey reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead. Sometimes they have up to 30 sharks appear during those feedings.

Flinders Cay is a beautiful sand cay. There are hundreds of seabirds and turtles during nesting season which is October to March each year. Diving is in a beautiful protected lagoon which is also ideal for a night dive.

Herald, Dart & Flora Reef are smaller Coral Sea reefs a little to the north of Flinders. Boats will visit here depending on the weather conditions.

The wreck of the Yongala is certainly another highlight in this section. "Yongala" is an aboriginal name and means " big water hole". The SS Yongala (1903 - 1911) is a 110 m long passenger steamer. She sank in a cyclone southeast of Townsville in 1911. It was only in 1958 that the wreck was discovered south of Townsville by Captain Fitzpatrick. Today it is protected as national heritage, providing a valuable archaeological resource and a home for a large variety of marine life. The Yongala is lying on the sandy seabed, most of the structure still remains, and the hull is virtually intact.

It's a great dive. You literally have to push schools of fish out of your way to get a view of the wreck itself. It lies between 18m and 30m and can be easily explored from the outside. If you are into wrecks it's a must dive! If you just like fantastic reef diving - you will love this dive, as the Yongala is like a living reef. That is what makes this wreck so special. The coral growth and marine life on this wreck are incredible: Tuna, trevally, spotted eagle rays, giant groupers and huge black rays are hovering over the wreck. Close to the bottom you see cobia (Black Kingfish) which look almost like sharks. Maori wrasse, barramundi, cods, turtles and many sea snakes make the Yongala their home.

Diving conditions do vary much during the day with the change of tides. So every dive will show the wreck in an exciting different light! This dive is not for beginners. The currents can get strong here and the surface is sometimes very choppy. You should be an advanced and experienced diver to dive the Yongala. If it is too rough, dives at the Yongala will be cancelled.

Wheeler Reef, Myrmidon & Bowl Reefs provide some excellent diving on the actual Barrier Reef out of Townsville.

Seasonal Events

November - Coral Spawning: Coral Spawning is often called "Sex on the reef" - That's what it is! Every year it is happening again. All corals release their eggs and sperm at the same time. You can really see it! It usually happens 4 nights after the first full moon in November. It is an impressive event and night dives are spectacular. A lot of critters are active, as this is a feast!

Live Aboard Dive Operators

• currently no recommendation

Accommodation And Tours

Accommodation and tour options, and general destination information, are also available for the adjacent Townsville and Cairns mainland region.