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Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Discover an enchanting dive site in the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea, near Mackay Regional in Queensland, Australia. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing allure of a large wall adorned with various entrances, each leading to a unique underwater experience. One of these entrances will guide you to the breathtaking Coral Gardens, where you will encounter an awe-inspiring array of vibrant corals and magnificent Giant Clams. Admire the coral trees of Reef Restoration nestled amidst a couple of bommies, creating a truly captivating spectacle.

Prepare to encounter an abundance of marine life during your underwater journey. Encounter the famous True Nemo, also known as the clownfish, gracefully swimming amidst the azure waters. Marvel at the striking pufferfish, graceful pipefish, and intricate nudibranchs. Explore the mesmerizing presence of elephant ear corals, elegant eels, and the majestic moorish Idol. Be amazed by the elusive wobbegong shark, the colorful Sweetlips, and the charismatic maori wrasse. And don't forget to appreciate the magnificence of the giant clams and boulder corals that dot this remarkable dive site.

With a visibility of 12m and a maximum depth of 13m, this dive site welcomes divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Embark on an unforgettable underwater exploration in these pristine waters, an experience that will leave you mesmerized by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Diving Conditions Score for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

6.5
Above Average

Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.

Dive Site Overview for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Depth

13m

Visibility

12m

Experience Level

beginner
advanced

Weather Conditions for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Wave Height

0.88m

Wind Speed

28 m/s

Water Temp

24°C

Visibility

11.48km

Cloud Cover

21%

Wave Period

5.35s

Air Temperature

23.6°C

Precipitation

0.1 mm

Detailed 7-Day Diving Forecast for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens
Alpha

Dive Score Chart for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Best time to dive: 6:00 with score 7.168399999999999/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.86m, Wind 27.9 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 6.675699999999999/10.

Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.

Sunrise at Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens: 06:00
Sunset at Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens: 18:00

Optimal diving conditions at Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.

🌞
Best Overall
6:00

Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.86m (5.35s), Wind: 27.9 m/s

🌙
Best Night
5:00

Score: 6.7/10
Waves: 0.86m, Wind: 25.9 m/s

Seasonal Analysis for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens
Alpha

Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.

Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Seasonal DiveScore Chart

This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.

Higher values indicate better diving conditions

Best Season for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Summer

Avg. Score: 9.2/10

Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.

Best Months for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

June
Score: 9.3
May
Score: 9.2
July
Score: 9.2

Ideal Conditions for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Water Temp

Thermometer Emoji

26.1°C / 79.0°F

April

Visibility

Telescope Emoji

12.0m / 39.4ft

September

Wave Height

Wave Emoji

2.4m / 7.9ft

December

Wave Period

Wave Emoji

8.0s

January

Seasonal Insights for Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens

Hastings Reef - Coral Gardens follows southern hemisphere patterns with April being the warmest month (26.1°C) and July the coldest (21.4°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in December with average wave heights of 2.4m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in December with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). September is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during December to February, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.

Scoring Legend:
9-10 (Excellent)
7-8 (Good)
5-6 (Average)
3-4 (Poor)
1-2 (Dangerous)

Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 20, 2026

Note: This dive site is not a verified dive site. Please dive with caution. This dive site might have incorrect information by the community.

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