Cochrane Reef is an artificial reef and dive site located just offshore from Bundaberg, Queensland, sitting at the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Created as an artificial reef structure, it has become a haven for marine life and is popular alongside the nearby HMAS Tobruk wreck site and the MV Karma shipwreck. The site offers divers and snorkelers exposed rocky reef terrain colonised by soft and hard corals, attracting reef fish, turtles, rays, and pelagic species. Its proximity to the Bundaberg coast makes it accessible via short boat charter trips.
Cochrane Reef
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 3.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Offshore conditions
Located 3.2 nm offshore, conditions can change quickly with wind and swell. Choppy seas are common, especially in the afternoon.
Low risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal flows in the southern Great Barrier Reef can produce strong currents around offshore reef structures, especially on changing tides.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Charter and private vessels access the reef, requiring awareness of boat traffic in the area.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility at inshore reefs off Bundaberg can vary from 5m to 15m depending on swell, wind, and recent rainfall.
Low risk: Limited visibility
After rough weather or tidal movement, visibility can drop significantly, making navigation around the artificial structures more challenging.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Cochrane Reef is located offshore from Bundaberg, Queensland. Access is by charter boat or private vessel. Several dive and snorkel charter operators run trips from the Port of Bundaberg and Burnett Heads. The site is approximately 15-20 minutes by boat from the harbour.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Burnett Heads boat ramp and harbour area.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
Charter trip fees vary; typically $100-200 per person for a half-day snorkel/dive trip including equipment.
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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