Overview
Milln Reef is one of the premier dive locations accessed by liveaboards and fast day-boats from Cairns. It is celebrated for its sheer size and variety, encompassing multiple distinct dive sites along its edges, such as Petaj Mooring, Swimming Pools, and Whale Bommie.
What you’ll see
The reef walls drop down to a sandy bottom, creating an environment rich in diverse habitats.
- Huge aggregations of colorful schooling fish like snappers and fusiliers.
- Sleeping Whitetip Reef Sharks tucked under coral ledges.
- Green and Loggerhead turtles lazily cruising the shallow reef top.
- Some of the best night diving on the GBR, with sleeping turtles, active moray eels, and hunting reef sharks.
The Dive Experience
Because of its sheltered location, Milln Reef generally enjoys very mild currents and excellent visibility, making it a favorite for night dives and for newer divers gaining their confidence. The massive coral bommies create natural amphitheatres and stunning, light-filled swim-throughs.
Getting There
Milln Reef is located roughly 60km offshore from Cairns. It is primarily accessed via multi-day liveaboard trips, though some of the fastest premium day boats will venture out this far in good weather.
Marine Life to Spot at Milln Reef
- Sea Turtles
- Reef Sharks
- Parrotfish
- Nudibranchs