The Campgrounds is a pristine outer-reef dive and snorkel site on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, near Lady Musgrave Island. This untouched, drift-style site features a shallow depth of 12–18 metres with excellent visibility, vibrant hard and soft coral gardens, and abundant marine life. Its isolated location means fewer crowds, offering a true wilderness reef experience. The site is named for the "campgrounds" of coral bommies that dot the sandy floor, creating a stunning underwater landscape of coral pinnacles, gutters, and swim-throughs.
The Campgrounds (outer reef dive site)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.6 sWind Speed 5.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Drift current
The site is a drift dive/snorkel — currents can be moderate to strong, carrying snorkelers along the reef wall. Requires good fitness and confidence in current.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Outer reef location with boat traffic from tour operators accessing the site.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) may be present, particularly in warmer months. Stinger suits recommended.
Low risk: Sharp coral
Sharp coral formations at depths of 12-18m. Snorkelers should maintain buoyancy control to avoid contact.
Low risk: Exposed reef conditions
Outer reef location means limited shelter; conditions can change rapidly with wind and swell.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
The Campgrounds is an outer reef site near Lady Musgrave Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Access is exclusively by chartered boat tours departing from Bundaberg, Town of 1770, or Gladstone. Tours typically take 1.5–2 hours by catamaran to reach the reef.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at departure points (Bundaberg Port Marina, 1770 Marina, or Gladstone Marina). Fees may apply at some lots.
Day tours from Bundaberg/1770 cost approximately A$250–$350 per adult including snorkel gear, lunch, and reef tax.
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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