

Gorgonian Wall earns its name from the large sea fans that cover its face, creating a backdrop that puts the marine life here in sharp relief. The wall drops from 5 metres down to 40 metres, and visibility in the 30 to 40 metre range means you can take in the full scale of it. Moderate current runs along the wall and does most of the work bringing in grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and large schools of trevally, barracuda, and tuna. Bumphead parrotfish and hawksbill turtles work the shallower sections. Plan your bottom time carefully given the depth range, and watch for boat traffic and jellyfish on ascent.
-15.50110, 147.12050
Run your deep section early in the dive while your gas supply is full, then work your way up the wall to spend your safety stop time among the shallower gorgonians where the turtle activity tends to concentrate. May through October delivers the most consistent visibility and the best chance of hammerheads.
Access is only possible via multi-day liveaboard dive vessels departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The reef is remote, located approximately 230 km northeast of Cairns in the Coral Sea, and cannot be visited on a day trip.
The site is remote and exposed, with potentially strong and unpredictable currents. Jellyfish (stingers) are a hazard, particularly from November to May, and protective suits are recommended. Dives can be deep.
Depth
5-40m
Visibility
30-40m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
23-29°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas is a boat-access-only dive site. You will need to book with a local dive operator or charter a boat to reach it.
Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
Diving at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas. Water temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C.
Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas is home to grey_reef_sharks, whitetip_reef_sharks, hammerhead_sharks, barracuda, trevally, and tuna. Marine life sightings vary by season and conditions.
The best months to visit Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas has depths ranging from 5 metres to 40 metres.
A typical dive at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas lasts approximately 50 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.
Yes, night diving is available at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas. Night dives often reveal different marine life including nocturnal creatures. Always dive with proper lighting and a buddy.
Expect moderate currents at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Gorgonian Wall in Cairns and Port Douglas typically ranges from 30 metres to 40 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.