Diving at Gordons Mooring (Australia)

Gordons Mooring, part of Flynn Reef, unfolds as a classic outer reef site within Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This location is characterized by its spectacular hard coral gardens. Large, intricate table and staghorn coral formations dominate the underwater landscape, creating a dynamic environment that divers can explore. It is almost like being in a maze, providing a fascinating structure for exploration.

Evening condition tracking at Gordons Mooring features an air temperature of 22°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 2 m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.

Dive Site Location & Key Facts

Coordinates-16.7331, 146.2674

Max Depth25m / 82ft

Entry Typeboat

Water Typesalt

Dive Types

Reef

Dive Site Overview

Gordons Mooring offers an engaging journey through a vibrant coral maze, a key attraction within the greater Flynn Reef system. Diving this particular site is considered easy and beautiful, welcoming divers of all experience levels, from beginners seeking gentle exploration to more seasoned individuals appreciating its detailed topography.

Its main draw lies in the extensive and healthy hard coral formations; intricate table and staghorn corals create stunning underwater gardens, sometimes forming large structures up to several meters high. Exploring often involves navigating fascinating swim-throughs and discovering numerous nooks and crannies that add an element of adventure to each dive. Depths at the site generally descend to approximately 30 meters, with much of the interesting reef activity occurring around 15 meters, making it suitable for extended bottom times and multi-level profiles.

Water temperatures typically range from a comfortable 24-29°C / 75-84°F, ensuring pleasant conditions year-round. While visibility varies, it can frequently be excellent, allowing for clear views of the abundant marine life and the complex reef structures.

This is a site that rewards careful observation and slow, deliberate exploration, revealing more with each passing minute.

Gordons Mooring

Conditions are Poor

4/10

Confidence: 8/10

Indicates meteorological model agreement and data availability.

DIVE WARNING

High Swell Advisory. Not recommended.

06:12

18:45

H: 10:45

L: 16:20

Air / Sea Temp

22° / 24°

Wave Height

2.2 m

Wind Speed

39 km/h SE

Rain Chance

100%

Current conditions near Gordons Mooring show 22° air, 24° sea temperature, 2.2 m waves, and 39 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.

Radius: ~12km

Updated: Aug 1, 2026, 15:28 local time

MARINE: OPEN-METEOWEATHER: YR.NO

Best Time to Dive

Optimizing visibility is key when planning a trip to Gordons Mooring, with clearest conditions generally occurring during the drier months. October and November often present the most favorable diving, reflected by higher dive scores, minimal rainfall (around 0.7-0.9 mm), and lighter winds averaging 24-28 km/h. Waters during these months are calmer, enhancing overall visibility. While diving is possible year-round, the wet season (January to March) sees higher rainfall (12-16 mm) and slightly elevated wave heights, potentially impacting underwater clarity. Air temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically ranging from 23°C / 73°F in August to 28°C / 82°F in January. For broad underwater views, target the shoulder seasons transitioning into the dry period.

PEAK SEASON SCORE

76/100

Good

Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.

BEST MONTHS TO DIVE

JAN

OCT

NOV

DIVE SCORE (0–100)	71 JAN	71 FEB	66 MAR	70 APR	50 MAY	70 JUN	65 JUL	65 AUG	65 SEP	76 OCT	82 NOV	71 DEC
AIR TEMP (°C)	28	28	28	27	25	24	24	23	24	25	27	28
WATER TEMP (°C)	30	30	29	28	26	26	25	25	25	26	28	29
WAVES (M)	1.1	1.1	1.3	1.3	1.8	1.4	1.5	1.5	1.6	1.2	1.0	1.1
WIND (KM/H)	30	30	31	34	41	34	35	35	35	29	25	30
RAIN (MM)	14.0	12.3	16.8	3.7	1.9	1.7	2.3	1.9	1.7	0.8	0.9	11.7

DIVE SCORE GUIDE (0–100)

Excellent (90–100)

Very Good (80–89)

Good (70–79)

Moderate (50–69)

Poor (30–49)

Not Recommended (0–29)

Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.

Dive Experience & Conditions

A varied depth profile defines Gordons Mooring, generally reaching a maximum of 30 meters, though many interesting features are found in shallower average depths of 15 meters. This makes the site accessible for various certification levels, including beginners. Water temperatures typically remain warm, between 24-29°C / 75-84°F, providing comfortable diving. While specific currents are not consistently reported, conditions here are generally considered easy, suitable for relaxed exploration. Wave heights can vary, from around 1.0 meters in November to 1.8 meters in May, influencing surface conditions. Visibility is a notable feature, often ranging from 5-25 m / 16-82 ft, allowing clear views of the extensive coral gardens and resident marine life.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

Navigating Gordons Mooring is considered easy, but fundamental diving safety protocols remain essential. Divers should always plan dives within no-decompression limits and closely monitor air consumption, especially when exploring the site's numerous swim-throughs. Its maze-like structure, while exciting, requires careful buoyancy control to avoid contact with delicate coral formations.

No specific major hazards are reported for this site; however, standard safe diving practices apply. Always dive with a buddy, maintain appropriate depth and ascent rates, and carry an audible surface signaling device. Be aware of boat traffic when surfacing, as it's a popular mooring location.

Recommended Equipment

Dive Computer
DSMB

This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Gordons Mooring, Australia. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.

Recommended Dive Suit

3mm wetsuit is widely used for recreational dives in waters of this temperature. Strong winds are present; please take strong precautions against rapid cooling during surface intervals. Surface intervals may feel cooler. For divers entering the water at Gordons Mooring, temperatures are currently hovering around 24°C (75°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 22°C (72°F).

Short-term weather patterns suggest stable conditions for divers visiting the area.

Water temperatures can occasionally shift throughout the day depending on currents and depth layers.

Gordons Mooring conditions last reviewed: 15:28 local time (UTC+10), Aug 1, 2026

Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.

Emergency & Medical Support

Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Gordons Mooring.

Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.

Before diving, it's recommended to:

confirm nearest medical facilities
check emergency procedures with local dive operators
ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required

24/7 Available

Divers Alert Network

Diving emergency assistance available through DAN World.

+1-919-684-9111

24/7 emergency hotline
Diving medical assistance
Evacuation coordination

View official DAN emergency contacts

Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.

Marine Life at Gordons Mooring

Marine life at Gordons Mooring offers engaging encounters within its coral gardens. It's a known turtle cleaning station, making turtle sightings a regular occurrence.

Divers can also expect to spot various species of moray eels, often found tucked into reef crevices. A distinct area, "Clownfish city," is home to beautiful anemones with resident clownfish.

Reports indicate the presence of nurse sharks and blacktip reef sharks, adding an exciting dimension to underwater observation opportunities.