Narrow Neck Artificial Reef

100 metres from the shore directly in front of the lifeguard tower at Narrow Neck Beach is a most pleasant dive site constructed from 300 tonne geotextile sand containers which have been precisely laid commencing at the 4 metre depth mark and stretching out to a depth of 10 metres.  Click here to find out more about the Narrow Neck Artificial Reef project.

Marine Life

Designed initially for beach erosion protection and as a surfing break the artificial reef has proved an ideal surface for sea grass to grow on and in certain sections soft coral, ascidians and crinoids.

Closer to shore, to create the wave break, the sand filled geotextile containers are stacked on top of each other providing plenty of shelters for crayfish, wobbegong sharks, nurse sharks, pineapple fish, lionfish, and cardinal fish. Nudibranchs, shrimp and octopus are also found in these shelters.

Further out from shore the shovel nose rays, cow tail rays, bull rays and turtles are commonly observed in the sand beside the containers.

Schools of bait fish are constantly passing by and the occasional eagle ray will grace you with its presence.

Click here for the Narrow Neck Species List August 2003.

Access

Due to the reefs shallow depth, for a comfortable dive the swell needs to be under 1.2 metres.

Boat access is an option but I have always dived this site from the shore.

Level of Difficulty

The beach current, wave action and your fitness need to be considered if entering from the beach.

Links

Narrow Neck Reef Live Surf Cam
www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx
?cam=1175&mode=windows&state=QLD

Artificial Reef Live Surf Cam
www.coastalwatch.com/camera/cameras_large.aspx
?cam=1200&mode=windows&state=QLD

Narrow Neck Reef Coastal Imaging
www.wrl.unsw.edu.au/coastalimaging/public/goldcst/index.php