Located off the eastern side of Big Woody Island in Hervey Bay, Roy Rufus Artificial Reef is one of the largest artificial reefs in the Southern Hemisphere, established in 1968. Its sprawling network of wrecks and concrete structures spans depths down to 18 metres, creating a vibrant underwater habitat. The top of the reef sits just 3–5 metres below the surface, making it accessible for snorkelers as well as divers. Hard and soft corals, molluscs, and an abundance of fish species thrive on the wreck structures, while turtles, rays, and sharks are frequent visitors.
Roy Rufus Artificial Reef
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 2.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The reef is accessed by boat and sits in a busy boating channel in Hervey Bay. Snorkelers must stay aware of vessel movements.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in the warmer months (November to May). Protective clothing recommended.
Low risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can be moderate to strong around Big Woody Island, especially during outgoing tides in the open bay.
Low risk: Depth variation
The reef structures rise from 18 m to 3–5 m, creating sudden shallow areas and wreck hazards that require careful navigation.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The reef is located off the eastern side of Big Woody Island in Hervey Bay, approximately a 20-minute boat ride from the Urangan Boat Harbour (Great Sandy Straits Marina) in Hervey Bay. Access is by private boat or snorkel/dive charter — there is no shore access.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Urangan Boat Harbour / Great Sandy Straits Marina for boat trailers and vehicles.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
Charter snorkel/dive tours from Urangan Harbour typically range from $100–$160 per person for a double dive (includes tanks & weights). Day-use fees may apply for boat ramp parking.
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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