Great Sandy Marine Park artificial reefs
There are five artificial reefs located in accessible inshore locations within the marine park, making them very popular recreational fishing destinations, as well as one further afield towards the centre of Hervey Bay that provides a unique diving opportunity. Artificial reefs attract and sustain a wide diversity of marine life by providing protection from predators, shelter from ocean currents, breeding opportunities and a supply of rich food sources. The variety of habitats created by the Great Sandy Marine Park artificial reefs sustain a diversity of marine species.
Existing artificial reefs in the marine park
The creation of the first artificial reef in the marine park commenced in 1968 - the Roy Rufus artificial reef off the eastern side of Big Woody Island. The reef is a popular local fishing and dive site in Hervey Bay[1]. Construction of the Cochrane artificial reef commenced in 1992 and includes two gravel barges, one being 50 metres long, a landing barge, several aircraft, an ex-trawler, and other material. This reef is approximately 3 nautical miles off the coastline near Elliott Heads and is a popular destination for mackerel and trevally, and for diving with groper, turtles, and stingrays. The Woodgate artificial reef, located approximately 1 nautical mile offshore from Woodgate, is a popular spot for divers, and for anglers targeting reef fish1. The most recently established artificial reefs in the marine park for both recreational fishing and diving are Simpson and Hardie artificial reefs. The Simpson and Hardie reefs are purpose-built having been developed by a stakeholder working group. The reefs were installed by the Queensland Government using marine infrastructure funding. The dive-only ex-HMAS Tobruk artificial reef is located towards the middle of Hervey Bay and is a 127 metre former navy ship now home to a thriving ecosystem.
A unique artificial reef for diving – The ex-HMAS Tobruk
The scuttling of the ex-HMAS Tobruk in 2018 created an artificial reef that has become an exceptional dive site in the marine park. The wreck is home to corals, molluscs, demersal and pelagic fish species, turtles, rays, sharks and more. More information on this artificial reef is available here.
New artificial reefs
The Queensland Government has committed $2.5M for the construction of two new artificial reefs in the marine park and planning has commenced to identify potential suitable locations ahead of a working group of key stakeholders being formed.
The reefs will provide new fishing opportunities and are expected to reduce overcrowding at other fishing locations, thereby, improving fishing experiences and reducing fishing pressure on natural reefs in the marine park.
Depending on their location, these reefs will provide additional habitat and opportunities to catch species such as trevally, Spanish mackerel, coral trout, estuary cod, mangrove jack and Jewfish.
Establishment of the Simpson and Hardie artificial reefs for recreational fishing and diving
The artificial reefs are expected to attract an abundance of marine life.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Members of the recreational fishing community were involved in the planning process.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
In May 2015, the Queensland Government established Simpson Artificial Reef and Hardie Artificial Reef. These reefs provide recreational anglers and divers with a range of exciting fishing and explorative opportunities.
A crane lowers the artificial reef structures into position.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
A team effort
Construction of the reefs was a significant undertaking involving careful planning and development. Although the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was the lead agency responsible, a working group was established at the beginning of the project to guide the development of the program. The working group comprised of representatives from recreational, charter and commercial fishing bodies, diving groups, the tourism industry, conservation groups, researchers, First Nations peoples, the Local Member of Parliament, QPWS and other government departments.
The working group provided advice on all major aspects of the program, including determining the purpose of the reefs, site selection, materials to be used, and ongoing management (including reef monitoring and enhancement).
Simpson Artificial Reef
Simpson Artificial Reef is located in waters near the Outer Banks, 7nm from Urangan Marina in Hervey Bay. It is named after Woody Island’s first head lighthouse keeper Mr John Simpson.
During construction, fifteen reef structures were distributed over an 80ha area in five clusters, to a depth of 10-16m. Each cluster is made up of three reef structures.
- Simpson Artificial Reef map —updated version showing the new zones in effect from 21 May 2024, coming soon.
Hardie Artificial Reef
Hardie Artificial Reef is located 2nm north-east of Little Woody Island. The artificial reef is named after Woody Island’s longest serving head lighthouse keeper, Mr Peter Hardie.
During construction, fifteen reef structures were distributed over 160ha in five clusters, to a depth of 10–16m. Each cluster is made up of three reef structures.
- Hardie Artificial Reef map —updated version showing the new zones in effect from 21 May 2024, coming soon.
The reef structure.
The reef structure.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
Creating a reef
Creating the artificial reefs involved extensive research and planning, including mapping and analysis of physical, environmental, social and economic factors. The analysis informed decision making, including artificial reef location and material selection. Some of the factors considered included:
- aspirations and diversity of potential users
- historic use of potential sites, including recreational and commercial fishing, and diving
- cultural sites and sensitivities
- the desired marine species to be attracted
- proximity to natural reefs and declared marine national park (green) zones
- site conditions and characteristics, including wind, waves, tide, and water depth
- reef structure clearance—minimum 5m clearance at the Lowest Astronomical Tide
- accessibility of the site
- material characteristics, including design, size, weight, density and composition
- material life expectancy—minimum of 30 years
- ability to withstand significant weather events
- deployment constraints
- compliance with Australian standards and legislation
- safety considerations (during and after construction).
The reef structure
Each reef structure is made of steel reinforced with concrete with a large internal volume of 80 cubic metres, measuring 4m x 4m x 5m and weighing 23 tonne. The combined modules form vertical relief and cellular spaces that create complex habitats and allow the reef structures to permanently recruit sustainable populations of target species, such as reef fish, pelagic fish and crustaceans.
Useful links
- Great Sandy Marine Park
- Maps and resources
- Entry and use provisions table
- Looking after Great Sandy Marine Park
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
More information
For more information on the artificial reef program, please contact the department.
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.
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Zone and designated area information for the Great Sandy Marine Park and Moreton Bay Marine Park.
