Hastings Reef, Great Barrier Reef
Hastings Reef is teeming with sea life that thrive amongst the crystal-clear waters spanning a 10km radius of reef ecosystems. Situated off the coast of Queensland, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of coral formations, housing a plethora of sea creatures big and small. From colourful tropical fish darting through coral gardens, to reef sharks and sea turtles passing by, the inhabitants of Hastings Reef changes constantly and there’s always something new to see in one of the world's most iconic reef systems.
Where is Hastings Reef?
You’ll find Hastings Reef positioned 60km’s northeast of Cairns on the far-edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Its neighbouring reefs Norman and Saxon border the Continental Shelf that drops off into the deep blue sea. Being established 1.5 hours away from the rivers and streams of the mainland means that the waters surrounding Hastings Reef are free from rainforest run-off, allowing sea life to thrive in a rich underwater playground for marine biologists.
Experience the best of Hastings Reef on one of these tours from Cairns!
How deep is Hastings Reef?
Hastings Reef has a reef flat that can be as shallow as 1-3 metres with deeper parts of the reef reaching an average depth of 13 metres, making it great for both snorkellers and scuba divers to explore.
The horseshoe-like shape and structure of the reef supports a huge array of marine life and corals. The steep outer wall rises from the depths of the ocean, acting as a barrier against the elements, while also allowing currents to bring in plenty of nutrients and oxygen to feed the inhabitants living on the reef.
Hasting is considered to be a patch reef and is host to coral overhangs, swim-throughs, coral gardens, caves and drop-offs. The unique range of reef formations make every snorkel or dive different, giving you plenty to see and explore.
What can you see at Hastings Reef?
Anemones
Anemones are an interesting type of animal that live on coral reefs. Often mistaken for a plant, this rare type of organism is closely related to corals and jellyfish. They have stinging tentacles that keep away potential predators and often host animals in a symbiotic relationship, including everybody's favourite tropical fella, the clownfish! They are easily recognised by their soft swaying arms that float and grow upwards, waving in the current.
Sea Turtles
Sea Turtles are frequent visitors to many parts of the Great Barrier Reef including Hastings Reef. They are often spotted hanging out on the coral beds napping or eating or swimming around looking for their next meal. There are six species of sea turtles that live on the Great Barrier Reef but are the most likely to be spotted at Hastings. Keep your eyes peeled as they are extremely good at camouflage!
Steephead parrotfish
Also known as the blunt-head parrotfish, you’ll know this fun fish when you spot its oblong face and bright blue colours! Parrotfish feed on algae that live on coral, effectively functioning as janitors on the coral reefs. Their presence is vital to the health of the reefs and its corals as they create more space for juvenile corals to attach and grow by removing parasitic algae. They are often spotted in large schools, so you'll notice them right away if they're around. And if you listen closely, you will actually be able to hear them biting into the coral!
Rabbitfish
Rabbitfish, also known as foxfaces, are bright yellow and have a prominent black stripe that covers a white face. They are disk-shaped with pointy mouths. They have venomous spines that poke out of their pectoral, dorsal and anal fins, but are of no risk to snorkellers or scuba divers as long as you don’t attempt to touch them or pick them up! Adults are often spotted in pairs, so if you see one, keep your eye out for its 'special friend'.
Reef Sharks
Known as the doctors of the ocean, reef sharks are generally a very timid species. They grow to a maximum of 1.5 metres in length and are identified by a black or white tip on their dorsal and upper tail fins. Far from being human-hungry, they feed on small fish, crabs, eels and other little reef residents. They have slender bodies that allow them to navigate through small caves and crevasses, where they will hunt for their prey. As nocturnal hunters, they often spend their days sleeping or hiding out in caves, rather than roaming the reef. Most of the time they will flee when they see a snorkeller or scuba diver approaching, so keep an eye out for these elusive animals!
These are just a select few of the animals you will see while visiting Hastings Reef. The small caves, drop-offs, and tunnels support a huge variety of both small and big fish, giving you an amazing experience each time you enter the water!
