Sudbury Reef is a hidden gem tucked behind Fitzroy Island off the coast of Cairns, featuring a stunning white-sand cay (Sudbury Cay) at its northern end. Unlike many Great Barrier Reef sites dominated by hard coral, Sudbury is notable for its lush soft coral gardens, steep drop-offs, and shallow clam gardens teeming with parrotfish and mullet. The reef offers varied snorkel terrain — from shallow protected areas perfect for beginners to deeper walls where you can spot marine life usually found at greater depths. Its relative seclusion means fewer crowds and a more pristine experience.
Sudbury Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 8.5 knPrecipitation 3.3 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Wind and swell exposure
Sudbury Reef is an exposed offshore reef that can be affected by strong winds and large swells, especially during the southern hemisphere winter (May–September).
Low risk: Tidal currents around drop-offs
Strong currents can develop around the reef edges and drop-offs, particularly during tidal changes, requiring good swimming ability.
Low risk: Stinging jellyfish
Stinging jellyfish (including Irukandji) may be present in the waters of Tropical North Queensland, typically during the warmer months (November–May).
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Sudbury Reef is located approximately 37 km northeast of the Russell River mouth, tucked behind Fitzroy Island off the coast of Cairns, Tropical North Queensland. Access is exclusively by boat via charter tours from Cairns or Fitzroy Island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cairns Marlin Marina or departure points in Cairns city.
Accessible via Great Barrier Reef snorkel tours from Cairns; prices vary by operator (typically AU$150–$250 per person).
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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