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The Moon Pond

BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE

Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.

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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 3.7 knPrecipitation 2.5 mmTidal Phase ebb

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The spot

Community-maintained

Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

The Moon Pond is a little-known inshore snorkeling nook along the Woongarra Coast within the Wide Bay & Bundaberg region, near the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. Situated among the basalt rock formations that dot this shoreline, this calm, shallow pond-like enclave offers a safe introduction to the Southern Great Barrier Reef's fringing ecosystems. Protected from ocean swell by natural rock barriers, the pond's clear, gently swirling waters reveal colourful coral bommies, sergeant majors, parrotfish and the occasional turtle. Its lunar-like rock pools and crevices give the spot its name, making it a peaceful alternative to the more exposed reef sites further offshore.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • Moderate risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)

    Box jellyfish may be present in warmer months, particularly November to May.

  • Moderate risk: Marine stingers (Nov–May)

    Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in warmer months (November–May). Wearing a stinger suit is recommended during stinger season.

  • Moderate risk: Marine stingers

    Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present during the warmer months (November–May). Wear a stinger suit or rash vest for protection.

  • Low risk: Rocks and reef at entry/exit

    Rocky shore entry requires careful footing; slippery when wet. Best entered in calm seas.

  • Low risk: Strong currents on outgoing tide

    Tidal currents can sweep along the Woongarra coast; check tide tables before entering.

  • Low risk: Vessel traffic

    The park is adjacent to coastal waters used by boats; stay aware of your surroundings.

  • Low risk: Variable water clarity

    Visibility depends on sea conditions; best on calm days after easterly winds. Murky conditions can reduce safety.

  • Low risk: Ocean swell

    Exposed coastal location can experience ocean swell and moderate surf, making entry and exit more challenging.

  • Low risk: Outgoing tide current

    Tidal movement can create currents near reef edges, especially during outgoing tides. Swim at high or incoming tide for calmest conditions.

  • Low risk: Rocks and reef edges

    Sharp coral and rock formations near shore, particularly at Barolin Rocks. Wear reef shoes and avoid standing on corals.

  • Low risk: Rocks and submerged reef

    Sharp basalt rocks and live coral near the shoreline; wear reef shoes and watch your footing when entering and exiting the water.

  • Low risk: Changing tides and currents

    Tidal movement can create currents around the rock headlands, especially during outgoing tide. Check local tide times before entering.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic near reef edges

    The outer edges of the marine park are used by boats launching from nearby ramps. Stay aware of vessel traffic and avoid snorkelling in marked channels.

  • Low risk: Sharp basalt rocks

    The rock platform surrounding the pond has jagged edges; wear reef shoes to avoid cuts.

  • Low risk: Stingrays

    Bull rays and other stingrays rest on the sandy patches within the pond; shuffle feet and do not approach.

  • Low risk: Incoming tide current

    As the tide rises, water funnels through narrow rock channels creating a moderate current that can push snorkelers against the rocks.

Wildlife Guide

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Getting in

Shore entry
Entry

From Bundaberg, head east on Bargara Road towards the coast. Turn onto Woongarra Scenic Drive and continue past the Barolin Rocks area. The Moon Pond is accessed via a short walk from a small pull-off along Woongarra Scenic Drive, approximately 3 km south of Bargara. Look for the basalt rock platform extending into the water.

Parking & facilities

Limited roadside parking available along Woongarra Scenic Drive near the rock platform. No designated car park.

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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