Coral Cascades is a renowned snorkel and dive site on the windward side of Heron Island, in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Named for the cascade-like coral formations that tumble down the reef slope, this site features a dramatic wall dropping to around 28 metres, adorned with vibrant sea fans, black coral trees, and soft corals. The nutrient-rich currents sweeping past the reef attract clouds of colourful reef fish, parrotfish, wobbegong sharks, moray eels, and green turtles. Part of the Heron Island reef system, Coral Cascades offers drift-style snorkelling over a terrain of bommies, gutters, and coral gardens, making it one of the most biodiverse and visually spectacular spots in the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Coral Cascades
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.2 sWind Speed 1.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Moderate to strong tidal currents sweep across the windward reef, especially during incoming and outgoing tides. Can carry snorkellers away from the reef if not careful.
Moderate risk: Deep drop-off
The reef slope drops steeply to 28 metres, with deeper sections beyond the safe snorkelling depth. Snorkellers must stay aware of their depth and position.
Low risk: Wind and swell exposure
The site is exposed to the prevailing wind and swell on the windward side of Heron Island, which can create choppy surface conditions and reduced visibility. Most common during the trade wind season.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Coral Cascades is located off the windward side of Heron Island, in the southern Great Barrier Reef. Access is by boat tour from Heron Island, which itself is reached via ferry from Gladstone or by scenic flight from the mainland.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Gladstone Marina for those staying overnight on Heron Island, or at the airport for fly-in visitors. No parking on Heron Island itself — it's a vehicle-free resort island accessible on foot or by bicycle.
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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