Child Reef / Child Island sits in the deep channel between Child Island and Barren Island within the Keppel Bay Islands group, part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. This 30-metre-deep gutter is lined with steep walls draped in vibrant gorgonian fans, sea whips, black corals, and soft corals. The nutrient-rich channel attracts pelagic fish such as trevally, barracuda, batfish, and mackerel, making it a thrilling drift dive and snorkel site. Visibility is often excellent, and the dramatic underwater topography — from coral-encrusted walls to sandy gutters — offers a sense of adventure for experienced snorkelers and divers alike.
Child Reef / Child Island dive site
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.9 sWind Speed 6.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents in The Gulch
The channel between Child and Barren Islands can experience significant tidal currents, making it a drift snorkel/dive site. Best suited to confident swimmers.
Moderate risk: Strong Channel Current
Strong currents can flow through the channel between the islands, making this site best suited to experienced swimmers and divers.
Moderate risk: Remote Offshore Location
The site is a fair distance offshore — boat access only, with limited emergency support.
Moderate risk: Deep Water (30m)
Depths reach up to 30 metres in the channel, requiring advanced buoyancy control.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents in channel
The channel between Child and Barren Islands can experience strong tidal flows, especially during spring tides, requiring good swimming ability and awareness.
Moderate risk: Deep water (30 m)
Depth drops to 30 metres — snorkelers must stay near the surface and be aware of depth changes.
Moderate risk: Remote location
The reef is remote with no immediate medical facilities — the nearest hospital is in Gladstone or Rockhampton, over 90 km away.
Low risk: Deep drop-offs
Reef edges drop to 30 metres close to shore — snorkelers should stay aware of depth and avoid venturing beyond comfortable limits.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic in the channel between Great Keppel Island and Child Island
Low risk: Tidal currents
Tidal currents can develop around the island's rocky edges
Low risk: Marine stingers
Stinging marine life including box jellyfish and irukandji may be present during the warmer months.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located in the Keppel Bay Islands, about 30 km east of Yeppoon, Queensland. Access is by boat only — via commercial dive/snorkel charter from Yeppoon or Great Keppel Island, or private vessel. Most visitors join a tour from Yeppoon (30-min ferry to Great Keppel Island then onward by boat).
Parking & facilities
Park at the Yeppoon Foreshore or Rosslyn Bay Marina car parks (fees may apply) where charter boats depart. No parking at the dive site itself — it's a remote island reef accessible only by boat.
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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