Fairfax Reef is a pristine, remote coral reef in the Bunker Group at the southernmost extent of the Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by turquoise waters, this uninhabited reef system features dramatic coral bommies, deep drop-offs, and expansive lagoons teeming with marine life. Far from the crowds, Fairfax delivers a wild, untouched snorkeling experience where you can drift over vibrant gardens of staghorn and plate corals, encounter green sea turtles at cleaning stations, and spot manta rays and reef sharks patrolling the outer edge. The reef's isolation and protected status within the Capricornia Cays National Park ensure exceptional water clarity and pristine coral health, making it a world-class destination for adventurous snorkelers.
Fairfax Reef
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 5.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong currents can sweep along the outer reef edges, particularly during tidal changes. Drift snorkeling conditions are common for certified divers exploring outer reef sites.
Moderate risk: Remote location
The reef is a significant distance from shore (approx. 80 km). Emergency medical evacuation takes time; tour operators carry safety and communications equipment.
Low risk: Ocean swell
Outer reef drop-offs and passages can experience moderate to strong ocean swell, especially in southeasterly trade wind conditions (May–October).
Low risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in the Southern Great Barrier Reef waters during the warmer months (October–May).
Low risk: Exposed ocean conditions
The reef is exposed to open ocean conditions; wind and weather can change rapidly, particularly in winter (June–August).
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Fairfax Reef is located in the Bunker Group, approximately 80 km east of the Town of 1770 (Agnes Water), Queensland. Access is exclusively via guided day tours or multi-day charters from 1770 or Bundaberg. The Lady Musgrave Experience operates tours that include Fairfax Reef as a certified dive/snorkel destination.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the 1770 Marina or Agnes Water departure points.
toiletsparking
Day tours from 1770 typically start at approximately $200–$300 AUD per person, including snorkel equipment, lunch, and reef taxes. Separate fees apply for certified diving.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Queensland
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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