reef

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Wharton Reef

Wharton Reef sits pretty far north in the Great Barrier Reef, a bit of a journey but worth every nautical mile if you ask us. What we love here is the sheer health of the place. We’ve seen sections of the GBR that are struggling, but Wharton feels like a glimpse into how things used to be – or how they should be. The coral formations are genuinely impressive; huge bommies rise from the seafloor, creating channels and overhangs that just beg to be explored. Sunlight filters through, dappling the reef, and the water often has that incredible cobalt blue colour you dream about. Our favourite time to dive Wharton is late morning, when the sun is high. That’s when the light really plays with the colours of the coral and brings out the shimmer of the schooling fusiliers. Keep an eye out for Pacific short-bodied pipefish tucked into the staghorns, they’re masters of camouflage, and if you're lucky, you might spot a cruising scalloped hammerhead in the deeper blue. This site really suits divers who appreciate healthy coral ecosystems and are prepared for a proper expedition, as it’s not one you just pop out to for an afternoon. Stronger currents can pick up here, so good buoyancy is key to staying put and appreciating the smaller stuff.