Hastings Reef (16.5197° S, 146.0085° E) is a horseshoe-shaped patch reef located 50km north-east of Cairns.
Because of the average depth of 13 metres at the bottom, this is one of the shallower areas of the Outer Reef. In addition, depending on the tides, the reef’s top, also known as the reef flat, is only 1-3 metres deep. Hastings Reef is thus a popular snorkelling destination.
The reef has a well-defined wall shape that bends in and out. Because of the coral’s natural shape, ravines have formed that are very enjoyable to explore. Furthermore, some of the larger reef species can easily hide in the cracks that the coral forms.
Common species seen at Hastings Reef:
- Steephead parrotfish
- Schools of surgeonfish
- Rabbitfish
- Reef squid
- Drummerfish
- Black snapper
- Giant clams
- Angelfish
- Coral trout
- Green sea turtles