Norman Reef - Playgrounds - Great Barrier Reef

Redhead Point is one of our go-to boat dives when we're looking for something reliable just off the Sydney coastline. It’s got a comfortable maximum depth of 11 metres, making it a relaxed dive for almost any certification level. We love dropping onto the sandy bottom, which is dotted with bommies and weedy patches that hide some truly interesting characters. Keep your eyes peeled for those impressive ocean wobbegongs, often just chilling on the sand, or the graceful glide of an eagle ray passing overhead. Visibility usually hovers around 11 metres, sometimes more on a good day, giving you plenty of time to spot the smaller stuff too, like nudibranchs crawling along the rocks or moray eels peeking out from their hidey-holes. This spot is a solid pick for a cruisy dive where you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some classic East Coast marine life without battling strong currents or complex navigation.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.428000, 145.988400
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-18m

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Barrier Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Norman Reef - Playgrounds

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

Recommended Packing List for Norman Reef - Playgrounds

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Norman Reef - Playgrounds?
At Norman Reef - Playgrounds, divers can expect typical depths ranging from 5 to 18 meters. The Playgrounds area itself, which is suitable for beginner divers, has a maximum depth of 14 meters. This allows for comfortable exploration of the beautiful coral reef and bommies.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Norman Reef - Playgrounds?
Divers at Norman Reef - Playgrounds can anticipate encountering beautiful coral reefs and impressive bommies. The Playgrounds area is home to an abundance of baby reef fish and fascinating cuttlefish. For more advanced divers exploring Shark Mountain, there's a good chance to spot grey reef sharks and even occasional schools of Bumphead Parrot Fish sleeping at night. Explore more about marine life in our wildlife database.
What is the diving difficulty level at Norman Reef - Playgrounds, and is it suitable for beginners?
The overall diving difficulty at Norman Reef - Playgrounds is rated as intermediate. However, the specific Playgrounds area is well-suited for beginner divers, offering a maximum depth of 14 meters and calm conditions. More advanced divers can explore the adjacent Shark Mountain for a slightly greater challenge.
When is the best time of year to dive at Norman Reef - Playgrounds for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Norman Reef - Playgrounds. We recommend checking our When to Dive guide for general information on diving seasons in the Great Barrier Reef.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Norman Reef - Playgrounds?
The available data does not specify the exact dive certifications required for Norman Reef - Playgrounds. Given its intermediate difficulty and suitability for beginners in certain areas, an Open Water Diver certification is generally a good starting point, but it's always best to confirm with your dive operator.
What are the typical water conditions and currents like at Norman Reef - Playgrounds?
At Norman Reef - Playgrounds, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. The provided data does not detail specific water temperatures or current strengths, but the Playgrounds area is generally considered suitable for beginners, implying manageable conditions.