Child Reef is a remote patch reef in the Capricornia Cays region of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, lying east of Great Keppel Island off the Capricorn Coast. Part of the Keppel Bay Islands group, this reef offers a pristine snorkeling experience amid hard and soft coral gardens, with healthy colonies of staghorn and brain coral. Accessible exclusively by boat tour or private vessel from Yeppoon or Great Keppel Island, Child Reef is typically visited as part of a full-day reef trip that often includes lunch, glass-bottom boat viewing, and waterslide fun. The reef sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is a protected, low-impact snorkel destination.
Child Reef
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 3.3 sWind Speed 1.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Child Reef is a patch reef that can experience strong tidal flows, particularly during outgoing tides. Snorkelers should be aware of currents pushing away from the reef.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and Irukandji may be present in Queensland waters during the warmer months from October to May.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The reef is only accessible by boat and lies in a channel used by tour vessels and private watercraft. Snorkelers should stay visible and keep clear of vessel paths.
Low risk: Sharp coral
Extensive hard coral formations including staghorn and brain coral present a cutting hazard. Snorkelers must avoid touching or standing on coral.
Low risk: Sun exposure
Open-water reef with limited shade. High UV risk typical of tropical Queensland.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Child Reef is located east of Great Keppel Island, approximately 30-40 minutes by boat from Yeppoon (Rosslyn Bay Marina) on the Capricorn Coast. Commercial reef tours operate from Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island offering day trips to the reef. Alternatively, private vessels can access the reef from Rosslyn Bay or Great Keppel Island. Exact GPS coordinates are approximately 23°08.8'S, 151°04.4'E.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Rosslyn Bay Marina car park (pay parking) or at the Great Keppel Island ferry terminal in Yeppoon.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports