How to snorkel the Gables Coral Reef Point Vernon. Less than 15 metres from shore - Hervey Bay
- Breannah Mitchell
- Jan 9
- 10 min read
Updated: Jan 20
The Gables Coral Reef taken by Aqua Dan Creatives - https://www.aquadancreatives.com/
Explore Hervey Bay’s 6,500-year-old coral reefs, located only 50 metres from the mainland fringing foreshore. These inshore coral reefs are a rarity for an urban city centre, stretching 15 km from Torquay to Point Vernon and including Round Island, Big Woody Island, and Little Woody Island.
My Local Experience:
Hi, my name is Breannah. I am 27 years old, born and raised in Hervey Bay, and I have been snorkelling the Hervey Bay reefs since I was 14 years old! I love snorkelling, free-diving, and scuba diving. Three years ago, together with my mum Sharon—who loves the ocean as much as I do—brought CoralWatch to Hervey Bay.
Over the years, I have seen these inshore reefs change over time due to coastal development, bleaching events, overfishing, weather events, pollution, and much more. The Gables coral reef at Point Vernon was the first reef I ever snorkelled, with my mum Sharon. Hervey Bay reefs are still some of my favourite places to snorkel and dive. They are extremely unique—the closest inshore reefs in Australia to an urban city centre—and are part of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon.
Types of Corals you might see:
Today, we will be exploring the Gables Coral Reef the first reef that introduced me to the underwater world and is only 15 metres from the rocky shore! This coral reef is mostly dominated by the endangered Turbinaria coral, but you will also see many brain corals, Goniopora corals, and soft coral cover.
Marine Life
There is an abundance of marine life just below the surface, but it’s important to be quiet, still, and observant. Types of marine life you might encounter on the Hervey Bay reefs include loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, blue dolphins, dugongs, octopus, humpback whales, minke whales, zebra fish, feather stars, sea snakes, parrotfish, cod, bull rays, eagle rays, and many different species of fish, both big and small—and so much more! There are also endangered white seahorses known to inhabit this area.
Where is the Gables Located?
Gables Reef is located directly in front of the Eagle’s Nest at The Gables in Point Vernon, where you can walk straight out to the reef at low tide. Unlike the Torquay, Scarness, and Pialba reefs, which are accessed from sandy shores, this reef is accessed by walking out over rocks. Make sure you wear reef socks or reef shoes when walking out to the reef.
If you are snorkelling without a paddle-board, there is an Eagle’s Nest area that we recommend using as your access point—the reef lies directly offshore from there. If you are using a paddle-board or kayak, there is a boat ramp to the right where you can easily launch. The reef is located to the left of the boat ramp.
Point Vernon has a cute little coffee shop near by called Brew & View where you can drive, walk or ride to after your snorkel.
What time of the year to Snorkel:
The coral reefs can be snorkelled year-round; however, the clearest conditions are usually from late March through early September. During this time, winds are most commonly forecast from the south to south-east, which helps maintain good water visibility.
From September to March, Hervey Bay is better known for its northerly winds, which are ideal for wind surfing but can stir up the water and reduce visibility for snorkelling. That said, summer conditions can still be excellent for snorkelling if the winds are from the south to south-east and there has been no heavy rainfall.
How to Check the Forecast, Tides & Wind:
Tips for snorkelling:
Always bring a buddy—never snorkel alone.
Minimal wind or no wind provides the best snorkelling conditions.
South to south-east (S–SE) winds are ideal for snorkelling.
Avoid snorkelling if there has been rain in the previous 24 hours, as runoff can wash sediment into the ocean and reduce visibility.
Choose a sunny or lightly overcast day, and head out in the early morning or late afternoon.
Enter the water on an outgoing low tide. Avoid incoming tides, as they can stir up the water.
If you walk in knee-deep and can still see your feet, conditions may be good.
Low tide is great for snorkellers, as these reefs are shallow-water coral reefs.
Low to high tide is better for anyone wanting to free-dive.
When the tide is between 0.8 and 0.4 metres, the reef is fully exposed—this is not ideal for snorkelling, paddle boarding, or kayaking.
A tide range of 0.8 to 1.4 metres is ideal for snorkelling and paddle boarding.
Do not stand on or touch the coral. Corals are living animals and are very fragile.
If the water is murky, don’t attempt to snorkel. It’s better to clearly see what’s in front of you and feel safe than to try to find or see the reef in poor conditions. It will always be there, on a clearer day.
Snorkelling Gear and Safety:
Snorkel mask and fins – essential for exploring underwater.
Reef-safe sunscreen – protects both your skin and the ocean. Sunscreen chemicals can damage coral reefs by causing coral bleaching, which can lead to coral death. Always check your sunscreen label to ensure it is reef safe.
Sun protection clothing – long sleeves and pants not only protect you from the sun but also from grazes on coral.
Reef gloves – provide extra protection for your hands when near coral.
Paddleboard – useful to float over the corals if you get tired while snorkelling.
Pool noodle - can also be useful to rest on if you get tired and helps to avoid resting on coral.
Reef knife – helpful if you encounter any fishing line or debris on the reef.
Reef Shoes/Reef Socks - Reef shoes or reef socks are helpful when stepping over rocks, as they can be quite slippery. Reef socks are also useful because you can walk on the rocks comfortably and then put your fins on over the top.
Coral Cuts:
Coral cuts can be very painful and are prone to infection. Immediately clean the wound with freshwater and apply antiseptic, then cover it with a sterile dressing. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent infection. Always see a doctor to ensure the wound is properly treated and infection is avoided.
Rock Pools:
If you don’t enjoy snorkelling or have younger children, perhaps exploring the rock pools at The Gables might interest you instead! Zoanthids, little crabs, shells, corals, and so much more can be found among the rock pools. Just remember—don’t take ANYTHING from the ocean.
iNaturalist is a free app and online platform that allows people to record and share observations of plants, animals, and other living things they find in nature. Users can upload photos, note the location, and add the date of their observation.
How does iNaturalist work?
Once you upload an observation, iNaturalist helps suggest possible species using image recognition. The iNaturalist community—including scientists and naturalists—can then help confirm the identification. iNaturalist is a powerful citizen science tool. The data collected is shared with scientists and conservation organisations around the world, helping them track biodiversity, monitor species distributions, and understand changes in ecosystems over time. It’s a great way for everyday people to contribute to real scientific research while learning more about our natural world.
New Artificial Reef Point Vernon:
The new artificial reefs in Point Vernon is a perfect tourism attraction for snorkellers, divers, kayakers, and local fishers.
However, I have concerns that although the artificial reef may help relieve fishing pressure by drawing fishers away, the Gables Coral Reef is still not fully protected, as it is not designated as a green zone. This means there is still potential for people to fish close to inshore coral reefs, which can negatively impact them. The artificial reefs are estimated to be about 100 metres away from the Gables Coral Reef.
From 2021 to 2022, Hervey Bay was inundated with flooding, which reduced the amount of light reaching coral reefs and seagrass, slowing their growth rates. Prolonged low light and sediment buildup can smother seagrass and weaken corals, increasing their vulnerability to bleaching and disease.
In 2024, Hervey Bay experienced a mass bleaching event, where corals remained bleached for an extremely long period. Corals are living animals, and when they become stressed due to warm ocean temperatures, they expel an algae living in their tissues called zooxanthellae, which provides them with food and colour. When this algae is expelled, corals lose their colour and become weakened and can die. ESA Park Coral Reef next to the Gables was heavily impacted by coral bleaching, and some of the corals—mostly Montipora Coral sadly died.
Severe or prolonged bleaching events can cause mass coral mortality. Even if corals survive a bleaching event, their growth rates and ability to reproduce are often compromised for several years afterward, slowing population recovery.
Point Vernon Bleaching Event - Fraser Coast Drone Photography
Contribute to Citizen Science and help us monitor the Corals in Hervey Bay
The Coral Health Chart is used to assess coral health by placing the chart against the coral and identifying the lightest and darkest shades. Corals monitored come in many shapes and sizes, including plate, branching, soft, and boulder corals. CoralWatch encourages everyone to participate in Citizen Science, allowing scientists around the world to access the collected data.
Get your free Coral Health Chart here: www.coralwatch.org
Parrotfish
Herbivorous are important for all coral reefs
One of my concerns is that herbivorous fish are not protected at the Gables coral reef, making them easy targets, especially for spear fishing. Herbivores, such as parrotfish, play a vital role by eating algae on coral reefs, helping corals recover more quickly after bleaching events. Parrotfish also help provide food for corals through their waste, showing that corals need fish just as much as fish need coral reefs.
What I would love to see happen
It would be great to see the Gables Coral Reef designated as a protected green zone. Although the new Marine Park zoning has come into effect last year in May, making Pialba Reef the only inshore coral reef green zone which is mainly accessed by boat or kayak. In contrast, the Gables Coral Reef is only 15 metres from shore, making it an ideal and easily accessible attraction for snorkellers, divers and kayakers, who could then venture out to the new artificial reef as well.
There are still many coral reefs in the region that remain untouched by green zone protection. It would be wonderful to see a green zone that is easily accessed from shore, with educational signs showing visitors how lucky we truly are to have these hidden gems right on our doorstep.
Sustainable Fishing
Fishing is not bad. The last section is not meant to demonise fishers—I fish myself. However, I think it’s important to educate people about the impacts recreational fishing can have on coral reefs, and how to fish sustainably.
Only take the fish you intend to eat.
Consider releasing fish that are important for coral reef recovery, remembering that coral reefs are habitats for fish—and healthy reefs are how we continue to have fish to catch.
Choose to fish particular fish species during their appropriate seasons this benefits fish populations protecting them during vulnerable periods allowing older and larger fish to survive, which in return boosts reproduction, genetic diversity, and fish population resilience against environmental changes.
Choose eco-friendly fishing gear. Eco-friendly fishing tackle focuses on reducing plastic use, avoiding toxic lead, and using biodegradable or recycled materials.
Dispose of any rubbish or tackle properly, as marine life may mistake rubbish for food, which can cause serious harm.
What fish help remove algae off ANY coral reef
Bumphead parrotfish
Blue-spined unicornfish
Steephead parrotfish
Rabbitfish
Parrotfish
Surgeonfish
Do you think The Gables coral reef should be a Green Zone?
Write an answer
Hervey Bay’s rare and unique treasure's
So that we don’t appear to be demonising fishers: snorkelling can also hurt coral reefs through actions such as sitting, standing on, or kicking coral. Be mindful of where your fins are when visiting ANY reef. Tip: if you need to rest, swim to an area where there is no coral and tread water or lay on your back. Bringing a pool noodle can also be useful to rest on if you get tired or if you are an inexperienced snorkeller.
I truly believe awareness is everything. If people can see a coral reef with their own eyes, they may come to appreciate the beautiful underwater world filled with so much life and hopefully feel inspired to protect Hervey Bay’s rare and unique treasures that so many marine animals call home.
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