reef

Log This Dive

Sudbury Reef

Sudbury Reef, for us, is a sleeper hit out on the Great Barrier. It’s not one of the big names, which is precisely why we love it. The coral here feels less… manicured, more natural, with some sprawling formations that really give you a sense of scale. Down deeper, around the 15-20 metre mark, we’ve often found ourselves drifting past enormous brain corals, their surfaces rippling with subtle shifts in light. Keep an eye out for the Harlequin Tuskfish – their colours are ridiculously vibrant against the more muted corals. We’ve had fantastic luck spotting Pharaoh Cuttlefish here too, especially in the late afternoon; their skin rippling with patterns as they size you up is always a treat. If you’re into the smaller, more unusual stuff, definitely spend some time scanning the sandy patches for the Bigtooth Twinspot Flounder. It’s a great site for divers who appreciate a quieter reef experience, away from the bigger tour boats, and who enjoy patiently searching for unique critters. It offers a genuine taste of the GBR without feeling like a theme park.