Little Baron Reef is a remote coral reef deep within the Swain Reefs National Park, 200 km off the coast of Yeppoon. Part of the southern Great Barrier Reef, this wilderness site offers pristine dive conditions with minimal human traffic. The reef features dramatic coral bommies, steep drop-offs, and clear oceanic waters that attract pelagic species. Its isolation means the coral health is exceptional, with massive plate corals, gorgonian fans, and abundant marine life thriving in near-pristine conditions. One of over 1,000 reefs in the Swain complex, it remains a true wild reef experience.
Little Baron Reef (Swain Reefs)
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.4 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Little Baron Reef (Swain Reefs) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Remote location — no immediate medical access danger
The site is 200 km offshore with no immediate emergency services. Evacuation is by vessel only, requiring hours to reach shore.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Remote location — no immediate medical access
The site is 200 km offshore with no immediate emergency services. Evacuation is by vessel only, requiring hours to reach shore.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Swain Reefs experience strong tidal currents between reef channels that can sweep snorkelers away from the reef. Diving/snorkeling on a slack tide is essential.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish / Irukandji)
Marine stingers including box jellyfish and Irukandji are present in the southern GBR during the warmer months.
Low risk: Sudden weather changes / wind chop
Sea conditions can change rapidly due to passing weather systems and wind chop across open ocean, making surface conditions hazardous.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Little Baron Reef lies approximately 200 km off the coast of Yeppoon, Queensland. Access is via liveaboard charter vessels that depart from Yeppoon or Mackay, typically as part of multi-day Swain Reefs expeditions. No public ferry service.
Parking & facilities
Park your vehicle at the Yeppoon marina or the Mackay marina car parks (long-term parking available at the marina precincts). Check with your charter operator for designated parking arrangements.
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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