Curtin Artificial Reef is a purpose-built structure sitting in depths from 12 to 30 metres off Queensland, giving beginners a genuine wreck-style experience without the complexity of a natural wreck dive. Visibility can reach 15 metres on good days, which makes it easier to orient yourself on the structure. The current here runs strong, so you will likely drift along rather than fin hard, and a good briefing from your skipper before entry is worth paying attention to. Queensland grouper, turtles, rays, and wobbegong sharks are regular visitors, while painted frogfish and octopus reward anyone who slows down to look closely. Watch your step near the structure as stonefish are present.

Fifteen deliberately sunk ships create Queensland's most accessible wreck dive, sitting in shallow water off Moreton Island's western shore. The vessels, scuttled between 1963 and 1984 to form a breakwater, now shelter a remarkable variety of marine life in depths ranging from 2 to 12 metres. You can snorkel around the upper structures or dive deeper to explore the hulls, making this site perfect for first-time wreck divers. Visibility typically sits between 5 to 10 metres, enough to appreciate the coral formations that have claimed the wrecks and the fish that patrol them. Wobbegong sharks rest on the sandy bottom, while trevally, kingfish and yellowtail circle the structures. Over 200 fish species call these wrecks home, and you might spot sea turtles gliding past or dolphins hunting nearby. Dugongs occasionally visit the surrounding seagrass beds. The strong currents around the wrecks require attention. Time your dive for slack water, and stay aware of your position relative to the structures. Boat traffic can be heavy during peak periods, so surface with caution. Shore entry is possible, though most divers opt for boat access. The site offers year-round diving with guided tours and equipment rental readily available.

Cherubs Cave is defined by its overhead environment, where navigating through the cave system demands solid buoyancy control and comfort in confined spaces. Depths run from 14 to 30 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres depending on conditions. Moderate current is a constant factor here, with surge adding another layer of complexity inside the cave. Grey nurse sharks and wobbegong sharks are regularly encountered, alongside groper, trevally, kingfish, and barracuda in the surrounding reef. Turtles also frequent the site. Sharp coral and boat traffic round out the hazard profile, so situational awareness matters throughout the dive.

Mud Island's North East Reef sits in shallow water ranging from 0 to 5 metres, making it accessible but not to be underestimated given the moderate current that runs through the site. Visibility varies considerably, anywhere from 1 to 11 metres depending on conditions, so timing your visit matters. The reef attracts a solid mix of marine life including bream, reef fish, stingrays, and turtles. Sharks and dolphins also pass through, and garfish are commonly spotted near the surface. Boat traffic is the primary hazard here, so a surface marker buoy is essential when ascending.

Hendersons Rock is a reef and cave site that rewards divers who can handle variable conditions. Depths run from 12 to 24 metres in the deeper sections, and visibility here is genuinely unpredictable, so be prepared to navigate in reduced water clarity. Moderate current is the norm, though it can strengthen, and surge near the reef structure keeps you on your toes. The cave sections are worth exploring for resident cod and grouper, and grey nurse sharks are among the more notable encounters the site offers. Clownfish in anemones provide a contrast to the larger species moving through the water column.

Gotham City is a serious dive built around a dramatic pinnacle that rises from a wall and drops off into deep water, topping out at 22 metres and plunging to 37 metres. Strong currents run through regularly, so buoyancy control and current experience are non-negotiable here. Visibility runs 10 to 20 metres, giving you enough range to watch grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks and wobbegong patrolling the structure below while eagle rays work the water column above. Barracuda and gropers hold position around the pinnacle, turtles pass through, and black coral grows along the deeper sections of wall. Boat access only.

Pumicestone Passage is a shallow, sheltered waterway that makes a genuinely good introduction to snorkelling and shore diving. The seagrass beds are the main feature here, and they support a variety of reef species in very manageable conditions. Depths stay between 0 and 2 metres, so you can take your time and explore without pressure. Visibility ranges from 7 to 16 metres, though currents are variable, so conditions can shift. Boat traffic is the main hazard to stay aware of, and visibility can drop at times, so pick a calm, clear day. Check locally for current access and facility information before you visit.

Bullrock Beach is a shore entry site in Queensland suited to beginners looking to get comfortable in the water. The site offers shallow, calm conditions, though visibility can vary depending on the day, so it pays to check conditions before you head in. Be aware that moderate to strong currents can run through the area, which is worth keeping in mind even in sheltered shallows. As a beginner, always enter with a buddy and stay within your comfort zone. Facilities are not guaranteed, so confirm what is available locally before your visit.