Masthead Reef is a pristine, moderately large platform reef encircling Masthead Island, a protected coral cay in the Capricornia Cays National Park, 60 km northeast of Gladstone. One of the least disturbed cays in the southern Great Barrier Reef, the reef is partially exposed at low tide, revealing a stunning platform of coral gardens, bommies, and sandy channels. The site offers exceptional snorkelling over healthy coral formations with excellent visibility. Its remote, low-impact designation means fewer crowds and a truly wild reef experience. The reef is also known historically as Polmaise Reef, site of the 1868 Waterwitch shipwreck.
Masthead Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.7 sWind Speed 1.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Exposed coral platform at low tide
Parts of the reef platform are exposed at low tide, creating shallow rocky areas that can cause injury to unprotected skin. Snorkellers should wear reef shoes and be mindful of tidal timing.
Low risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in the southern Great Barrier Reef waters, typically during the warmer months from November to May.
Low risk: Tidal currents across reef platform
Tidal currents can flow across the reef platform, particularly during spring tides. Snorkellers should exercise caution and stay near the cay edge.
Low risk: Remote location — limited emergency access
Remote location with no on-site medical facilities. The nearest emergency services are on Heron Island or in Gladstone, requiring boat or helicopter evacuation.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Masthead Reef is located about 60 km northeast of Gladstone, Queensland. Access is by private boat or via charter tours from Gladstone, often operated in conjunction with trips to nearby Heron Island. The reef surrounds Masthead Island, a coral cay in the Capricornia Cays National Park.
Parking & facilities
No parking at the reef itself. Vehicle parking is available at Gladstone Marina or other departure points in Gladstone for boat charters and private vessels. Overnight camping on Masthead Island requires a permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). No vehicle access on the island.
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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