Michaelmas Cay is a coral cay situated 40 kilometres from Cairns, featuring a protected lagoon and shallow reef flats. The site topography consists of a gradual slope extending from the surface to deeper sections, with depths ranging from 0 to 20 metres and an average of 15 metres. Access is strictly by boat. Conditions are generally calm with mild currents, though visibility fluctuates between 10 and 30 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, with guided tours and equipment rental available. Hazards include boat traffic, sharp coral, and jellyfish during the wet season from November to May.

Split Bommie is a reef site located within Hastings Reef, offering depths between 1 and 18 metres with an average of 13 metres. Suitable for beginners, the site features mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 25 metres. Access is by boat only. Divers should be aware of the presence of jellyfish and sharks in the area. When entering the water, maintain a safe distance from sharks and avoid contact with jellyfish. Consult with your boat crew regarding the use of stinger suits, particularly during certain times of the year. Early morning trips often provide calmer conditions and improved light for observing the reef environment.

Coral Gardens at Hastings Reef features a combination of shallow reef and wall topography, making it suitable for beginners. Depths range from 1 to 13 metres with visibility typically between 15 and 30 metres. The site is accessed by boat and experiences mild currents. Divers and snorkellers can explore boulder corals and elephant ear corals. When entering the water, shuffle your feet to avoid sharp coral. Maintain a safe distance from the wall and remain aware of your surroundings for sharks. The site is available for night diving, with typical dive times around 50 minutes. Facilities including showers and a cafe are available.

Blue Lagoon at Hastings Reef offers a straightforward reef and wall dive suitable for beginners. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres with an average of 13 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. Access is by boat only, and the site is located 55 kilometres from the shore. Divers should be aware of sharp coral on the wall and potential hazards including jellyfish and sharks. When entering the water, be cautious of sharp coral and rocks below. The average dive time is 45 minutes, and water temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Fish Bowl is a reef site located at Hastings Reef, offering a mix of wall and drop-off topography. Suitable for beginners, the site features depths ranging from 3 to 30 metres with an average of 13 metres. Access is exclusively by boat. Conditions are generally mild with tidal flow and currents remaining manageable. Visibility typically spans 15 to 28 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24C and 29C throughout the year. Divers and snorkellers should exercise caution regarding boat traffic, jellyfish, sharp coral, and stonefish. Guided tours and boat charters are available, and some operators provide disabled access upon request.

The Pools at Hastings Reef is a shore entry site suitable for beginners. The reef environment reaches depths between 5 and 30 metres. Divers and snorkellers may encounter wrasses, which are very common, alongside common sixband parrotfish. Less frequently, visitors might spot Napoleon wrasse, clown triggerfish, regal angelfish, titan triggerfish, whitetip reef sharks, harlequin tuskfish, bluefaced angelfish, and harlequin sweetlips. Other species include uncommon sightings of sixbanded angelfish, teardrop butterflyfish, checkerboard wrasse, and foxface rabbitfish. Conditions feature mild currents, though visibility can shift based on tides and weather. Hazards include jellyfish, sharp coral, and stonefish; shuffle your feet when entering and wear a stinger suit for protection.

Hastings Reef is an outer Great Barrier Reef location featuring a diverse topography of shallow coral gardens, caves, walls, and drop-offs. Depths range from 5 to 30 metres, with an average of 13 metres. The site is accessible by boat and is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain aware of mild currents and potential surge. Visibility typically spans 15 to 40 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Facilities including guided tours, equipment rental, and boat charters are available. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Upolu Cay is a shallow reef site located on the Great Barrier Reef, accessible only by boat. The site features depths ranging from 1 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres, making it suitable for beginner divers and snorkellers. Visibility typically varies between 8 and 20 metres. While currents are generally mild, they can fluctuate based on tides and wind conditions. Visitors should be aware of jellyfish, particularly during the stinger season from November to May, and wearing a protective suit is recommended. The site is located 30 kilometres from the shore, and boat charters are required for access.