Outer Gneering Reef is one of three large subtropical reefs off Mooloolaba on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, offering spectacular snorkelling over gutters, ledges, caves and pinnacles draped in vibrant coral gardens. Depths range from 8–33 m, with crystal-clear water often exceeding 12 m visibility after southerly winds. The reef teems with reef fish, turtles, wobbegong sharks, stingrays, and the region's record-breaking diversity of nudibranchs — arguably the richest variety of these colourful sea slugs anywhere. Snorkellers may also spot seasonal visitors like leopard sharks in summer and gray nurse sharks and migrating humpback whales in winter (July–November).
Outer Gneering Reef
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 2.4 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: Strong currents
The offshore reef can experience moderate to strong tidal currents that require good swimming ability and confidence in open water.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Outer Gneering Reef is accessed only by boat, and dive/snorkel boats operate in the area. Snorkellers must remain aware of vessel movements.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility averages 12 m but can drop to 3 m after rain, wind or northerly swells. Best conditions follow southerly winds.
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
Boat
Entry
Outer Gneering Reef is located approximately 8 km off Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast. Access is by chartered boat only from Mooloolaba — dive centres such as Sunreef Mooloolaba and other local operators run daily trips. Fly into Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) or drive 1.5 hours north from Brisbane.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking is available at Mooloolaba Wharf and Parkyn Parade near the boat departure points.
parkingtoiletsdrinking_watershowers
Boat charter fees apply (approx. $149+ AUD for a double-dive trip including gear). No shore access.
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