Wonder Reef: What it the Gold Coast artificial reef all about?
Wonder Reef on the Gold Coast is an artificial reef. It’s not part of the Great Barrier Reef, but should offer coral-covered sculptures for snorkellers and divers.
The Gold Coast in Queensland is one of the most popular holiday regions in Australia. There are tens of thousands of hotel and apartment rooms along the coastal strip. But don’t go there expecting to see the Great Barrier Reef – the Gold Coast is too far south.
How far south does the Great Barrier Reef go?
The Great Barrier Reef is mostly north of the Tropic of Capricorn, although some southerly cays such as Lady Elliot Island and Wilson Island are just south of the tropics near Gladstone. (And you can do a day tour to Lady Elliot Island from the Gold Coast).
But the people of the Gold Coast are a resourceful lot. If the Great Barrier Reef isn’t going to come to them, they’ll build their own reef. Step in, Wonder Reef.
Find your ideal Great Barrier Reef tours by location
Great Barrier Reef tours run from numerous destinations along the Queensland coast. Different tours cater to different tastes – some make sure they go to the best snorkelling spots, others build in beach time and some throw in extra such as underwater observatories and glass bottom boat tours.
Use the following links to start picking the best Great Barrier Reef tour options where you’re going on holiday.
- The best Great Barrier Reef tours in… 1770 | Airlie Beach | Bundaberg | Cairns | Cape Tribulation | Mackay | Magnetic Island | Mission Beach | Palm Cove | Port Douglas | Townsville.
Wonder Reef – The Gold Coast’s artificial reef
Australia’s first purpose-built floating reef specifically designed to act as a home for marine life is being installed on the Gold Coast. Wonder Reef should officially open to the public in early 2022. This Gold Coast artificial reef contains nine artistic earth-friendly sculptures tethered up to 20m above the ocean floor. The plan is to install it 2.5 kilometres offshore from The Spit at Main Beach.
This Gold Coast artificial reef is designed to withstand strong swells and cyclones. The 32,000 cubic metres of new reef habitat will also provide marine research and educational opportunities.
Best day trips from the Gold Coast – 7 ways to improve your stay
The Gold Coast is a destination in its own right, but there are several excellent day trips you can do while using it as a base.
- Deluxe Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
- Full day Springbrook National Park tour – with waterfalls and bush tucker tasting.
- Snorkelling with turtles at Cook Island.
- Evening glowworm-viewing experience – with guided stargazing.
- Lady Elliot Island day trip – with glass bottom boat & guided Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
- Hopping between microbreweries – with lunch included.
- Northern Rivers fruit & distillery tour – with Tropical Fruit World and Husk Distillers.
Coral planting on the Gold Coast artificial reef
Marine experts will work on coral planting of local species to accelerate marine growth. Then the structures will undergo up to eight months of monitoring and testing to meet regulatory approvals and diver safety standards.
The City of the Gold Coast has secured Queensland and Commonwealth Government approvals to deliver the dive site. This includes a permit under the Environment Protection Act 1981 and a 50-year seabed lease.
More Queensland travel
Catch the Stradbroke ferry to North Stradbroke Island.
Take in Surfers Paradise from the Skypoint observation deck at Q1, Australia’s tallest building.
Go camping and walking on Dunk Island near Mission Beach.
How long is the Mackay to Airlie Beach drive?
The best road trip stops on the Brisbane to Townsville drive.