Evans Patch is an offshore reef in the approaches to Bundaberg, marked on local lists as a site for experienced divers. Marinelife.org.au places it at 24°45.40'S 152°37.41'E, well out from Burnett Heads, and notes large schools of pelagic fish as its main attraction; GoodDive gives the depth as 21-23 m. That depth and its exposure to tidal current are why it is rated above the inshore reefs.

The reef itself is a patch of rock and coral rising from sand – a structure in otherwise open ground, which is why baitfish and the fish that hunt them gather over it. Expect trevally, mackerel, batfish and schools of smaller baitfish above the reef, with cod, sweetlips, snapper and angelfish closer to the rock. Turtles and rays are common in this part of the bay, and in winter manta rays move along the coast.

Published detail about the reef's layout is minimal and it is not a regularly guided site; most dives here are by local divers and clubs with their own boats. The site sits near the Beaufort bomber mark, and a boat heading out for one may combine it with the other. With depth in the low 20s, Advanced Open Water certification and nitrox are sensible, and someone should stay on the boat in case the current picks up.

For visitors, the more practical offshore options from Bundaberg are the Cochrane Artificial Reef, the Karma wreck and the ex-HMAS Tobruk, all of which are run by operators. Evans Patch is for divers with local knowledge, their own vessel and a flat-calm day who want a less-visited reef with a pelagic edge.

Launch at Burnett Heads boat ramp (15 km north-east of Bundaberg) and run out of the Burnett River entrance and east-north-east along the outer edge of the shipping approaches. Marinelife.org.au gives the mark as 24°45.40'S 152°37.41'E, roughly 22 km from the ramp – about 30-40 minutes in a small boat depending on conditions. There are no moorings: anchor in sand off the reef or drop a shot and have a boat cover live-boat pickups if current is running.

Evans Patch is in exposed water well offshore and needs a genuinely calm day – winds under about 12-15 knots and seas under 1 m – for small-boat access. South-east trade winds and north-easterly sea breezes both make the run uncomfortable. The site is swept by tidal current; dive near slack water (the change of tide) and on neap tides where possible.

Visibility is better than inshore but can be reduced by plankton in summer and by major flood plumes. Winter mornings are the most reliable.

Descend the anchor or shot line to the reef at about 20 m. Head into the current first along the reef edge, watching the water column for pelagic schools, and turn on a third of your gas. Keep bottom time within no-deco limits (nitrox helps).

Ascend on the line if possible, or deploy an SMB and drift for a live-boat pickup if the current picks up; safety stop at 5 m.

Bundaberg Aqua Scuba – occasional boat dives from Burnett Heads when weather allows (more often to Cochrane Artificial Reef); otherwise private boat or club charter from the Burnett Heads ramp only.