Experience the reef
Wonder Reef offers a unique open-water dive experience. As nine sculptural reefs rise nearly 22 metres above the seafloor, they gently sway with the ocean's energy. Their vertical form allows controlled descents, easy mid-water hovering and plenty of time to taking it all in — it's a fantastic site for exploring, taking photos and coming back again and again throughout the year.
A different kind of dive
Wonder Reef is a living, evolving habitat that supports growing fish communities and developing coral. As you move through different depths the light reveals new perspectives at every turn. Every dive is shaped by conditions, the season and how you choose to explore the reef — so no two dives are ever quite the same.
During your dive, you may encounter:
- schools of Indian scad baitfish moving through the structures
- giant gold-spotted rock cods and Queensland groupers
- sequined mulloway and other pelagic visitors
- coral growth taking hold across steel surfaces.
See our fish identification chart(JPG, 735KB)
Wonder Reef site information
Safety is our number one priority. Take a moment to review these diagrams and site plans, that outline the reef structures, depth ranges and distances. This information is designed to help you plan your dive, so you can feel confident, stay safe and make the most of your experience.
Reef elevation and depth diagram
Reef plan and zones diagram
Reef rules
Help protect the reef and the marine life that calls it home by following the entry guidelines for Wonder Reef.
Do
- Obtain a permit to access the Wonder Reef precinct on our Book your dive page.
- Observe the 5 knot speed limit.
Don't
- Visit the precinct without a permit.
- Anchor your vessel.
- Take part in any fishing activities including fishing, netting, spearing, killing or removing marine life.
- Damage, deface or interfere with any reef structures, signage, buoys or other equipment within the precinct.
Diver safety
Preparing for your dive is essential. Before diving Wonder Reef:
These resources help you enjoy a safe and environmentally responsible dive.
A diving mecca
Discover why the Gold Coast dive trail is a favourite amongst divers.
With water temperatures hovering between 18 and 26 degrees, divers adore visiting 10 popular dive sites — where shivers of grey nurse sharks can be spotted in protected deep waters, shipwrecks like the Scottish Price are only minutes away, and half a dozen close reefs are waiting to be explored.
From dramatic cliff faces to rocky reefs dotted with boulders and bommies, the area is home to both soft and hard corals, as well as sharks, rays, turtles and nudibranchs. Whether you're diving in shallow waters just five metres deep or heading down to more advanced depths, every dive offers something new to discover.
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Dive site photo credit: Thanks to Gold Coast Dive Adventures for sharing some of the images used in the Dive trail map.
Listening to the whales
The Reef has a permanent hydrophone capturing whale sounds from the humpbacks as they travel north and south during their migration periods.
What people are saying
Divers are always impressed by the scale of the structures, the easy access and the sense of discovery as the reef changes over time. Here are some highlights:
"It is going to be a great enrichment for our coastal environment and a new exciting asset for diving. The beautiful animals are already out there, we are just giving them a new home."
Dr Olaf Meynecke, marine scientist
"It's brilliant to be able to have an individual's ideas and expression realised on such a large project, and for the City of Gold Coast to have the confidence and vision to support something like this says a lot about the city."
Daniel Templeman, Wonder Reef sculptor
"We're very excited to welcome this completely unique eco-tourism product to the Gold Coast's offering, adding a new layer of attraction to boost the visitor economy."
Patricia O'Callaghan, Destination Gold Coast Chief Executive Officer
"You have the city in the background and the surf. It's a wonder all around. It's a real surprise package, all the senses of calmness, excitement, adrenalin and achievement all in the one adventure."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate
"This is a stunningly unique site and exceptionally beautiful when visibility is above 10 metres. It has attracted a plethora of marine life, including rarely seen pelagic species such as the Wahoo."
Harry Cottrell, co-owner Gold Coast Dive Adventures
"It will raise awareness about coral techniques and methods. This reef is for aesthetics and experience but has value from a restoration experience as we are trialling coral-planting methods which could be used in restoring other reefs."
Nathan Cook, reef restoration practitioner
"It is the start of an underwater revolution that will grow. It will be a short trip out for people looking to experience quality diving, vibrant marine life and with the potential for beautiful soft corals to flourish."
Ian Banks, Gold Coast dive expert
"It's not just about the art, the sculptures themselves are living sculptures. Each sculpture can be experienced in a way that art hasn't really been appreciated anywhere."
Matt Allen, Subcon Blue Solutions founder
"Having access to tropical and sub-tropical species, not often seen in our part of the ocean, is a thrill for us and for all of our divers."
Sebastian Lovera, co-owner Gold Coast Dive Adventures