Welcome to a new world of wonder
Dive the world’s first buoyant reef just minutes from shore where nine underwater sculptures, towering almost 22 metres above the sea floor, move like giant kelp. Pause at different depths of this vertical drop dive to witness the ever-changing ecosystem, the deeper you dive. Explore swim-throughs with Indian scad bait fish, giant gold-spotted rock cods, Queensland groupers, and sequined mulloway and admire the flourishing coral as it evolves over time. And don’t forget to take a photo on the underwater landing platform to capture memories that will last a lifetime. This underwater adventure awaits for all levels of divers in one of the most spectacular locations on earth.
A wonder like no other
A mainland shore dive just 10 minutes from the city
Home to scores of marine animals and six species of coral
Depths at 8, 18 and 30 metres, to suit every level of diver
A design wonder
Discover the features of this engineering and design marvel.
Explore the Gold Coast dive trail
The Gold Coast is a diving mecca with Wonder Reef floating the number of popular sites to 11. Devoted divers adore this region for its water temperatures which hover between 18 and 26 degrees, its schools of grey nurse sharks who flock to the protected, deep waters, as well as more than half a dozen close reefs. Discover shipwrecks like the Scottish Prince replete with remaining whisky bottles, just five minutes away. Elsewhere you'll find cliff faces and rocky reefs of boulders and bommies, home to soft and hard corals and sharks, rays, turtles and nudis. Dive in as little as five metres or as deep as the free divers who are plunging to 70 metres below.
At 2.5km offshore from Philip Park, The Spit, Wonder Reef is the start of the Gold Coast dive trail. For more incredible underwater adventures follow the trail to:
Wonder Reef
Palm Beach Reef
Wreck of the Aquarian
Kirra Reef
Wave Break Island
Snapper Rocks
Gold Coast Seaway – The Spit
Cook Island
Wreck of the Scottish Prince
9 Mile Reef
Mermaid Reef
Dive beneath the surface
Words on Wonder Reef
"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'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
"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 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 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
"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
"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
