The Currumbin desalination outlet is an unusual artificial reef: the seabed outlet structure of the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, which sits on the coast at Tugun near Currumbin. Gold Coast Dive Adventures describes it as looking like a giant UFO that landed on the ocean floor, in about 20 m, and lists it among its Gold Coast sites, although its site notes are still being developed. The plant draws seawater through an offshore intake and returns concentrated brine through a diffuser outlet, and the concrete and steel structures on the seabed have been colonised by marine growth, turning them into habitat on an otherwise sandy bottom.

As with other isolated structures along this coast, that means baitfish, reef fish, wobbegongs, rays and passing pelagics are likely, though a detailed species list has not been published. The site's appeal is novelty: few divers get to see industrial infrastructure of this kind up close, and the saucer-like shape makes for striking photographs in good visibility. At 20 m it is an advanced open water dive.

Because so little has been published, divers should rely heavily on the operator's briefing, particularly on how close it is safe to approach the outlet and whether the plant is operating, since discharge can create currents and denser, saltier water near the diffusers. It is not a regular trip, but it is worth joining when offered for divers who have done the main Gold Coast sites and want something different. Winter water rarely drops below 19°C, so a 5 mm suit is usually adequate.

Boat access only. Gold Coast Dive Adventures departs Runaway Bay Marina (Bayview Street, Runaway Bay – parking, cafes, toilets), runs south down the Broadwater and out through the Gold Coast Seaway; the reefs off the Seaway and The Spit are 10-20 minutes from the marina. Private boats launch at the Seaway/Broadwater ramps (e.g.

Doug Jennings Park area, Southport, Runaway Bay) and must cross the Seaway entrance, which can be rough on an outgoing tide against an easterly swell. The outlet lies off the southern Gold Coast near Currumbin/Tugun, a longer run south (roughly 35-45 minutes from Runaway Bay). Private boats can launch at Currumbin Creek (bar can be dangerous) or Tallebudgera Creek.

Offshore Gold Coast reefs sit in open water and are limited by swell and wind: easterly or south-easterly swell over about 1.5 m and south-east trade winds over 15-20 knots make the sites rough and stir up the bottom, while summer north-easterly sea breezes build through the afternoon. Visibility is typically 8-20 m, best after several days of southerly or westerly winds and in winter, and poor after heavy rain when the Nerang River and Broadwater outflow spreads along the coast. The Seaway crossing is safest on the incoming tide.

Descend the line to the outlet structure at about 20 m, circle it at a respectful distance, and look for fish sheltering in and around it. Avoid the discharge plume and any intake/outlet openings. Ascend on the line.

Gold Coast Dive Adventures lists it as a dive site (content still being developed); occasional trips only.