Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef · Queensland
Scuba Diving at Cochrane Artificial Reef
A 32-hectare artificial reef off Bargara built from scuttled vessels, aircraft and lightships, home to more than 150 fish species.
The Cochrane Artificial Reef lies in the Woongarra Marine Park, a short boat ride off Bargara near Bundaberg. It was built over 16 years from 1992 by the Bundaberg and District Artificial Reef Association.
Structures include the 50-metre gravel dredge Ceratodus II, the 40-metre barge Porteur 77, two Mohawk aircraft nicknamed Alan and Brenda, a King Air, two 24-metre Breaksea Spit lightships and thousands of concrete modules.
More than 150 fish species have been recorded, including a resident family of large Queensland groper, estuary cod, stingrays, turtles and wobbegongs.
Recommended: Open Water Diver. What can I dive with my cert?
Max depth
—
Access
boat
Current
—
Water temp
—
Level
beginner
up to intermediate
| Region | Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef |
|---|---|
| State | Queensland |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | wreck, reef |
| Experience level | beginner, intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- Queensland groper
- estuary cod
- stingrays
- turtles
- wobbegong sharks
- schooling fish
Access
- Boat access from Bundaberg or Burnett Heads.
- Historic structures are protected — nothing may be removed.
Hazards
- overhead environment inside structures
- entanglement
- sharp edges on wreckage
We have not yet confirmed which of these businesses run trips to Cochrane Artificial Reef — ask when you call.
Heron Island ResortPADIA resort on a no-day-tripper coral cay off Gladstone whose PADI Marine Centre runs three boat dives a day plus night dives to around 20 nearby sites.BoatCoursesAdvancedHireStaySource-backed profileBundaberg Aqua ScubaA Bundaberg-based training and equipment business serving the local diving community and southern reef access.CoursesAdvancedDirectory listing1770 ReefAn operation running trips from the Town of 1770 to Lady Musgrave Island and the southern Great Barrier Reef.BoatHireDirectory listingUseful Training for Diving Cochrane Artificial Reef
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Dive Sites Similar to Cochrane Artificial Reef
Worth reading alongside this one.
Planning Guides for Diving Cochrane Artificial Reef
Practical guides selected from this site's access, environment, wildlife and experience profile.
Dive Sites Near Cochrane Artificial Reef
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other Dive Businesses Near Cochrane Artificial Reef
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Cochrane Artificial Reef Diving FAQs
How deep is Cochrane Artificial Reef?
Depth varies by route and conditions. Confirm the planned profile with the operator.
Is Cochrane Artificial Reef suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Cochrane Artificial Reef?
Boat access from Bundaberg or Burnett Heads. Historic structures are protected — nothing may be removed.
What will I see at Cochrane Artificial Reef?
Commonly reported marine life includes Queensland groper, estuary cod, stingrays, turtles, wobbegong sharks, schooling fish. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Cochrane Artificial Reef?
Conditions vary through the year. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Cochrane Artificial Reef?
Cochrane Artificial Reef is in the Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef region of Queensland.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.