Hastings Reef
Hastings Reef is on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef and spans 10 square kilometres and is located about 50 kilometres southeast from Cairns.
Hastings is shaped like a horseshoe and has a large reef wall that makes up the edge of the reef, with reef flats and other coral formations making up the rest of the reef. The reef flat can be as shallow as one to three metres with deeper parts of the reef reaching an average depth of 13 metres, making it great for both snorkelers and scuba divers as it’s a vision from above and below! Both the shallows and the depths support a huge variety of marine life, just waiting to be explored.
The shape and structure of the reef supports a huge array of marine animals and corals. The steep outer edge rises out of the depths of the ocean and the currents bring in plenty of nutrients and oxygen to support a huge variety of marine species. Hasting is considered to be a patch reef and is host to coral overhangs, swim-throughs, coral gardens, caves and dropoffs. The diverse range of reef formations makes every single snorkel or dive interesting, giving you plenty to see and explore. There is plenty to see during your time on Hastings Reef, both in the form of plant and marine life.
Inhabitants of Hastings Reef
Anemones
Anemones are an interesting type of animal that lives on coral reefs. Often mistaken for a plant, this rare type of creature 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.
Green sea turtles
Green 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. They are one of six species of sea turtle that live on the Great Barrier Reef but are the most likely to be spotted at Hastings. They are often spotted snacking on corals, so keep your eyes peeled as they are extremely camouflaged!
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 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'.
Whitetip reef sharks
Whitetip reef sharks are generally a very timid species. They grow to a maximum of 1.5 metres in length and are identified by a 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 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!
