

Best for beginner divers, 1-10m, shore entry, strong current.
Tallebudgera Creek at Palm Beach Reef offers a shallow shore entry with depths ranging from 1 to 10 metres. This site is suitable for beginners, though it requires careful planning due to the tidally influenced current. Divers and snorkellers should enter during slack high tide to avoid the strong water movement through the creek channel. Hazards include recreational boat traffic, potential entanglement from discarded fishing lines on bridge pylons, and rip currents. Visibility varies significantly between 1 and 10 metres. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and a rinse station. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes.
-28.09820, 153.45730
Enter on the slack tide rather than fighting the current, as it can move surprisingly fast through the creek channel. The best months run from November through to May when conditions tend to be calmer and clearer.
Access is via the patrolled beach on the southern side (Palm Beach) or from the parklands on the northern side (Burleigh Heads). Parking is available on both sides but fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and in summer. Arrive early (before 9 am) to secure a spot.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
1-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
21-27°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depths of 1 to 10 metres, provided they time their entry for slack high tide to manage the strong currents.
Access is via a shore entry. It is strongly recommended to enter only on the incoming tide or at slack high tide to avoid being pulled out to sea by the strong tidal current.
Yes, snorkelling is possible, though the site has a low snorkel rating of 1/5 due to the strong tidal currents and potential hazards.
The best months to visit are January, February, March, April, May, November, and December, when conditions are generally calmer and clearer.
Primary hazards include strong tidal currents, rip currents, recreational boat traffic, and entanglement risks from discarded fishing lines and hooks on bridge pylons.
Diving at Tallebudgera Creek in Gold Coast requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Tallebudgera Creek in Gold Coast. Water temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C.
Tallebudgera Creek in Gold Coast can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Tallebudgera Creek in Gold Coast typically ranges from 1 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.