This dive site, Gorgonia Hole at Heron Island, is a vibrant and accessible reef dive. It is characterized by numerous cracks, crevices, and small holes, inviting divers to explore its hidden corners. While no specific history or navigation story is provided, its name suggests a focus on the gorgonian corals that might be found here, providing shelter and habitat. Divers can easily navigate by exploring these natural features.
The site is particularly known for its diverse turtle population, including green, loggerhead, and the elusive hawksbill turtles, often found resting in the sheltered nooks. Other notable inhabitants include painted crayfish and lionfish. The general reef environment would include various hard and soft corals, along with numerous species of reef fish typical of the Great Barrier Reef.
The best time to visit Heron Island, and consequently Gorgonia Hole, is generally during the dry season (May to October) for optimal weather and calm seas, though diving is year-round. Its shallow depths make it excellent for beginners, photographers, and marine life enthusiasts. Freedivers and snorkelers will also find the site highly rewarding due to its manageable depth and abundant, easily observable marine life.
