Granite Bluff is a sheltered fringing reef on the eastern side of Lizard Island, in the remote northern Great Barrier Reef. Known for its vibrant coral communities that have shown remarkable recovery after severe bleaching events between 2014 and 2017, this mid-shelf reef features shallow gutters, bommies, and granite boulder terrain. The site is frequently used by marine biologists from the nearby Lizard Island Research Station for coral and fish ecology studies, offering pristine, clear waters with excellent visibility. Its granite outcrops and spur-and-groove reef structure create a fascinating underwater landscape teeming with diverse coral formations.
Granite Bluff
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 2.0 knPrecipitation 1.3 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Stinger season in northern Queensland brings potential for box jellyfish and Irukandji in the warmer months.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Strong currents can develop around the granite bluff and reef edge, especially during tidal changes. Moderate swimming ability needed.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocky terrain
Sharp coral and granite rock formations along the shallow reef gutters can cause cuts if not careful.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Granite Bluff is a fringing reef site on the eastern side of Lizard Island, part of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Access is via boat from Lizard Island Resort or the Lizard Island Research Station. Visitors typically arrive as part of a guided snorkel tour or research expedition from Cairns or Cooktown, with flights to Lizard Island Airport (about 1 hour from Cairns).
Parking & facilities
No public parking on Lizard Island. Parking available at Cairns or Cooktown airports for fly-in visitors.
toiletsparking
Access is via Lizard Island Resort packages or research station permits. Day-tour fees vary by operator.
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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