Davies Reef is a mid-shelf ribbon reef in the Central Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, lying roughly 100 km east-northeast of Townsville. This crescent-shaped coral platform encloses a shallow lagoon with bommies, sand cays, and sprawling plate coral gardens. Its clear blue waters and abundant hard and soft coral formations make it a prime outer-reef snorkeling destination, regularly visited by day tours from Townsville and Magnetic Island. The reef's position on the continental shelf edge delivers exceptional water clarity and rich marine biodiversity, with coral coverage that remains among the healthiest in the region.
Davies Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 0.6 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Box jellyfish and Irukandji are present in warmer months, requiring stinger suits for protection.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Box jellyfish and Irukandji risk continues into early autumn.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Mid-shelf reef experiences variable tidal flows that can sweep snorkelers off the reef edge; guided snorkel with a tour operator is strongly recommended.
Low risk: Sharp coral cuts
Hard coral bommies and plate coral are razor-sharp; contact can cause deep lacerations.
Low risk: Sun exposure
Intense tropical sun with high UV index year-round; sun protection is essential.
Low risk: Vessel traffic
Tour boats and dive vessels operate in the area; be aware of boat lanes near mooring points.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Davies Reef is accessible only by boat, approximately 2–3 hours from Townsville or 1.5 hours from Magnetic Island. Several commercial tour operators run day trips to the reef, including Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel and other Townsville-based operators.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Townsville Breakwater Marina or departing marina; check with your tour operator for specific arrangements.
toilets
Day tour prices typically range from $200–$250 AUD per adult, including snorkel gear, lunch, and guided reef activities.
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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