Milln Reef, also known as The Whale, offers intermediate divers a varied reef system where depths range from shallow coral gardens at 2 metres down to 26 metres in the deeper sections. The mild current makes navigation straightforward, whilst visibility between 15 and 20 metres gives you clear views of the reef structure and its inhabitants. The site attracts a solid mix of marine life throughout the water column. You'll likely encounter sea turtles gliding over the coral, whilst schools of barracuda patrol the blue. Bumphead parrotfish work the reef face, and white-tip reef sharks rest in sandy patches between coral formations. Bull rays occasionally pass through the deeper areas. The reef itself features gorgonian fans in the current-swept sections, with lionfish hunting near the coral heads. Sweetlips gather in small groups under ledges, and if you look closely at the coral and rubble, you'll spot nudibranchs on night dives or in shaded areas. Watch for sharp coral edges as you navigate, and be mindful of jellyfish in the water column. The deeper sections require proper dive planning to manage your bottom time safely.

Boulders is a beginner-friendly boat dive combining a reef and wall in Queensland, Australia. Visibility runs 10 to 30 metres in clear conditions, and the mild current keeps things manageable for newer divers. The shallower reef sections sit around 8 metres, making it easy to take your time and look carefully for well-camouflaged residents like seahorses, scorpionfish, and stonefish resting among the rocks. Southern eagle rays and reef manta rays pass through the deeper water beyond 15 metres, while nurse sharks, reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, blue barred parrotfish, and triggerfish round out the regular cast. Watch where you place your hands on the reef.

Three Sisters is a boat dive site combining three distinct underwater structures: reef, pinnacle, and wall terrain that rewards divers who take time to explore each. Depths run from 5 to 30 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility typically ranging 15 to 25 metres. Mild current makes drift diving the natural way to move through the site. Gorgonian sea fans anchor the walls, while garden eels work the sandy patches below. White-tip reef sharks and sea turtles are regular sightings, and schools of fusiliers, snapper, and sweetlips move through the mid-water column. Moray eels and lagoon rays round out the bottom life. Watch for lionfish and jellyfish throughout the dive.

Tennis Courts is a combination reef, wall, and drift site that rewards intermediate divers with good buoyancy control and a relaxed approach to current. Depths run from 12 to 25 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility typically holding between 15 and 20 metres. The mild current does most of the work, carrying you past giant clams and clusters of fusiliers, while scorpionfish and nudibranchs reward slower, more methodical swimmers. Humphead Maori wrasse and blue-face angelfish are regular presences along the wall, and white-tip reef sharks are commonly seen resting or cruising the deeper sections. Watch for jellyfish, stay aware of boat traffic on ascent, and give marine life appropriate space.

Wild Side earns its name through moderate currents that push nutrients through the water column, drawing in sharks, rays, and hawksbill turtles to a reef that runs from 5 to 20 metres. Visibility of 15 to 25 metres gives you plenty of time to spot what's coming. Hard corals provide structure for anemonefish and harlequin sweetlips, while nudibranchs and crustaceans reward anyone willing to slow down and look closely. Current management is the key skill here, so comfortable buoyancy control matters. Jellyfish can be present alongside stronger current pulses, so stay alert to both throughout the dive.

Milln Reef sits on the outer Great Barrier Reef and offers beginners a genuine mix of terrain in one location, with shallow reef tops starting at 5 metres and walls dropping into deeper water around 30 metres. Visibility runs between 15 and 20 metres, so you can see clearly without much experience reading conditions. Currents are mild, which makes drift diving here manageable even for newer divers. Look for sea turtles and parrotfish on the shallower sections, and keep an eye along the wall for bull rays and gorgonian fans. White-tipped reef sharks and barracuda appear regularly. Between July and October, minke and humpback whales pass through seasonally.

East Side Bommies is a series of coral formations sitting between 5 and 20 metres, making it a comfortable entry point for newer divers. Visibility typically runs 15 to 20 metres, so you can take your time orienting yourself without feeling closed in. Currents are mild, which keeps things relaxed. The site is home to giant clams, anemonefish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and cuttlefish, along with fusiliers moving in loose groups through the water column. Turtles pass through regularly, and if you slow down near the reef structure, pipefish and rabbitfish reward the patient observer. Give marine life plenty of space and resist the urge to touch anything.

Thetford Reef sits on the outer Great Barrier Reef and offers an unusually varied underwater landscape for beginner divers, combining a shallow reef top, a canyon, and a drop-off that descends to 30 metres. You'll spend most of your time in the 5 to 15 metre range where visibility regularly reaches 15 to 30 metres. Currents are mild, which helps you drift gently along the reef without much effort. Keep an eye out for sea turtles grazing on the reef, giant clams wedged into coral heads, clownfish tucked into anemones, and rays cruising the sandy bottom. Reef sharks, trevally, mackerel, and tuna pass through the deeper water along the drop-off.