

Kelso Reef is a coral reef site off Queensland that works well for beginners, with calm conditions and no current to manage. The reef runs from very shallow water down to around 30 metres, so you can explore comfortably at whatever depth suits your confidence level. Visibility is generous, ranging from 10 to 30 metres in clear conditions, which makes it easy to keep track of your surroundings and take in the reef species around you. Access is by boat only. One thing to watch: the coral here is sharp, so be mindful of your buoyancy and avoid touching or resting on the reef.
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August and September sit outside the best months for this site, so plan your visit between October and July for the most reliable conditions. Check locally for current facility availability before heading out, as services can vary.
Access info coming soon
Shuffle your feet when entering and exiting the water to avoid cuts from sharp coral. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid touching any coral.
Depth
1-30m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Current
None
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Oct, Nov, Dec
Kelso Reef near Townsville, Queensland is suitable for beginner divers with no specific certifications required. The site offers depths ranging from 1 metre to 30 metres, allowing divers to choose appropriate depths for their experience level. The calm conditions with no significant current make it an ideal training location for those new to diving.
Kelso Reef is accessed exclusively by boat from Townsville, Queensland. The site cannot be reached from shore, so divers must arrange boat transport through local dive operators. The boat journey from Townsville provides access to this offshore reef system.
Kelso Reef typically offers visibility between 10 and 30 metres throughout the year. These conditions provide good to excellent underwater views of the reef structure and marine environment. The clearer visibility periods allow divers to appreciate the full scale of the reef formations.
The best months to dive Kelso Reef are January through July and October, covering most of the year except the late winter period. These months provide optimal diving conditions at this Townsville dive site. Planning your visit during these months ensures the most favourable weather and water conditions.
Sharp coral is the primary hazard at Kelso Reef, requiring divers to maintain good buoyancy control and awareness. Divers should avoid contact with the reef structure to prevent cuts and scrapes, and to protect the coral from damage. Wearing appropriate exposure protection and exercising careful movement near the reef bottom minimises injury risk.
Diving at Kelso Reef in Townsville requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Kelso Reef in Townsville has depths ranging from 1 metres to 30 metres.