Cochrane Artificial Reef, just 4.5km north-east of Elliott Heads, near Bundaberg, covers an area of about 400m by 800m.

This impressive reef was built by the Bundaberg and District Artificial Reef Association Incorporated (BADARAI), starting in 1992 with the 50m dredge Ceratodus II being sunk in 17m of water.

It lies almost upside down and remains the biggest single structure.

Two Mohawk aircraft were sunk in 1996, and in 1997 a 15-seat Kingair plane and nine-tonne steel tank structure were sunk.

In 1999 a 16m landing barge was scuttled, followed in 2000 by two identical 16-year-old lighthouse ships, each weighing 140 tonnes and measuring 24m.

Pipe, steel and concrete structures have also been installed.

Many varieties of fish visit and live on the reef, including huge groper.

It is well regarded as a mackerel and trevally spot, with a chance of kingfish and cobia.

Cochrane Artificial Reef GPS Marks

GPS marks in WGS 84, all approximate.
1. Plane, concrete blocks and steel prisms 24 54.089S 152 32.032E
2. 20 pipe modules 24 54.085S 152 32.090E
3. Landing barge 24 54.106S 152 32.134E
4. Tank, pontoon and concrete pipes, 24 54.153S, 152 32.159E
5. Pipes & light ship, 24 54.172S 152 32.081E
6. Mooring bommie 24 54.200S 152 32.069E
7. Concrete pipes 24 54.221S 152 32.012E
8. Ceratodus II ship 24 54.179S 152 31.984E
9. Steel modules 24 54.138S 152 32012E
10. Plane 25 54.114S 152 32.062E
11. Plane 24 54.123S 152 32.090E
12. Light ship 24 54.139S 152 32.050E

Elliott Heads tides
QLD fishing regulations
QLD marine parks
GBRMPA marine parks

Email corrections, additions, pictures or video here.