Sunreef Mooloolaba Flinders Reef Dive Trip

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This all-day trip goes to Flinders Reef, just north of Moreton Island. Flinders Reef not only has many tropical fish and dense coral coverage, but is also a sea turtle cleaning station.

Days

Full day

Age

8 and over

Group size

Max 18

Start / finish

Mooloolaba / Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba, around 3:30pm

Return

Mooloolaba, around 3:30pm

Transport

Dive boat from Mooloolaba, about 45 minutes each way from the river mouth

Meals

Lunch and refreshments on board

Route

Map of Sunreef Mooloolaba Flinders Reef Dive Trip

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Included experiences

Flinders Reef — two dives at two sites
Turtle cleaning station — green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles
Coral walls, caves and pinnacles
Moreton Bay Marine Park — protected sanctuary

Sunreef Mooloolaba Flinders Reef Dive Trip

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY START AT MOOLOOLABA

Flinders Reef is a full day out, so you check in at the Sunreef shop at The Wharf Mooloolaba at about 7am with your certification card. Gear can be hired at the shop if you need it. Once everyone is aboard, the boat heads down the Mooloolah River and out to sea, then turns south. From the river mouth it's about 45 minutes to the reef, time for the briefing and for watching the coast slide by. In winter, keep your eyes on the water: humpback whales pass this stretch of coast on their migration north.

FLINDERS REEF, OFF MORETON ISLAND

Flinders Reef sits just north of Moreton Island, inside the Moreton Bay Marine Park, and is a fully protected sanctuary. It takes its name from Matthew Flinders, who charted these waters in 1799 and later led the first voyage around Australia. The reef is a mix of walls, gutters, caves and pinnacles, between about 8 and 20 metres deep, covered in brain, plate and staghorn corals, sponges, gorgonians and anemones. Over 200 species of tropical and temperate fish live here, from blue tangs and clown triggerfish to yellow clownfish and porcupine pufferfish.

TWO DIVES AND LUNCH IN BETWEEN

The crew usually choose two sites on the day, depending on conditions, and you make one dive at each. Each runs for 60 minutes, or until you surface with 50 bar. Go with your own buddy, or join a guide. The reef is a turtle cleaning station, where small fish pick parasites off turtles that hold still for them, so green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are very likely. In the warmer months look for eagle rays and leopard sharks; winter brings grey nurse sharks. Between the dives, lunch and refreshments are served on board during the surface interval.

BACK TO THE WHARF

After the second dive the boat turns north for the run home and back up the river. You're at the wharf at about 3:30pm, where the crew will wash your gear if you'd like.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunreef dive shop, Mooloolaba.
Departure time: 7am.
Finishes: Back around 3:30pm.
Minimum age: Children under 8 are not permitted on board.
Fitness: After booking you fill out a one-time Divers Statement. If you take medication (other than contraception and malaria medication) or have an injury or illness that may affect your ability to dive, you need a doctor's clearance before diving. You cannot dive if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Suits: If you have not dived in the last 2 years you must complete a Scuba Review/Refresher course first; these can be arranged on most days at set times with at least 3 days' notice.
Please note: Trips are subject to weather; you'll be sent an email and text at 3:30pm the day before to confirm the trip and departure time. The dive is in open water, so consider seasickness medication.

What is included

Two dives at Flinders Reef
Option of a guided dive
Lunch and refreshments between dives

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

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Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

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(5/5)

A great dive trip to Flinders Reef despite the wind and a long ride out. The crew checked our gear and experience. The first dive had a strong current, warm water, a great variety of fish and about 10 metres visibility. The second, on the other side of the reef, was calmer with lovely coral, turtles and a dugong, and we saw whales breaching in the distance.

Lou Cooper Verified· Travelled 12th July 2026

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