Moore Reef - Labyrinth - Great Barrier Reef

Labyrinth at Moore Reef is one of those sites we always try to hit when we’re out that way. It’s a proper coral maze, winding through bommies and channels, hence the name. You feel like you’re constantly discovering something new around each corner. We love the way the light filters down through the gaps in the coral, catching the schools of Ternate Chromis that dart about. Keep an eye out for the Geographic Wrasse, they’re usually cruising the edges of the bommies, and we’ve spotted Longnose Butterflyfish poking into the crevices. The real joy here is the slow drift through the coral structures. It’s not about grand pelagics, though a reef shark might cruise past the deeper sections. This site is for the macro enthusiasts and those who appreciate intricate reef topography. We've found the best time is late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun is high and illuminates the channels nicely. Just take your time, peek into every nook, and you’ll find everything from Snakehead Cowries clinging to the coral to tiny Eye-lash Harptail-Blennies eyeing you from their perches. It's a relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who wants to just soak in the detail of the reef.

Location: Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates: -16.875834, 146.198460
Type: reef
Maximum Depth: 5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

Best Time to Dive in Great Barrier Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Great Barrier Reef occur in February, averaging 29.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 29.4°C
February: 29.5°C
March: 29.2°C
April: 28.4°C
May: 26.9°C
June: 25.8°C
July: 25.1°C
August: 25.0°C
September: 25.4°C
October: 26.6°C
November: 27.7°C
December: 29.0°C

Nearest Dive Centres to Moore Reef - Labyrinth

Marine Life in Great Barrier Reef

Home to 163 recorded species including 88 reef fish, 61 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 starfish, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
Great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) - Sharks & Rays
Bullethead Parrotfish (Chlorurus sordidus) - Reef Fish
seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis) - Hard Corals
Lineated Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus) - Reef Fish
Dusky Parrotfish (Scarus niger) - Reef Fish
Blackspot Surgeonfish (Acanthurus nigrofuscus) - Reef Fish
Bird wrasse (Gomphosus varius) - Reef Fish
Blue-lined Tang (Zebrasoma scopas) - Reef Fish
Telescopefish (Epibulus insidiator) - Reef Fish
Banded thicklip (Hemigymnus fasciatus) - Reef Fish
Fluorescence grass coral (Galaxea fascicularis) - Hard Corals
Blunt-head Parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos) - Reef Fish
Staghorn coral (Acropora hyacinthus) - Hard Corals
Chameleon Parrotfish (Scarus chameleon) - Reef Fish
Citron Butterfly (Chaetodon citrinellus) - Reef Fish
Black-back Butterflyfish (Chaetodon melannotus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Moore Reef - Labyrinth

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C, currents 17 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories