The south-east gardens of Fitzroy Reef are shallower coral gardens outside the lagoon on the reef's south-eastern side. Marine life writers note that they are often used as a shallow second dive by trips from Heron Island, which suggests a relaxed, colourful site after a deeper first dive elsewhere. Brain coral bommies are a feature, along with fish and invertebrates, and manta rays are listed among the site's visitors.

Being on the outer reef, visibility is often better than inside the lagoon. Because the south-east side faces the prevailing trade winds, the site is only dived in calm conditions or northerlies. It is otherwise straightforward: shallow, easy to navigate and suitable for all certification levels.

Divers staying in the Fitzroy lagoon on a private boat can reach the gardens by tender in suitable weather, but should keep a surface watch and carry SMBs, as the outer reef is more exposed than the lagoon. Detailed site information is limited, and the exact position is not published.

The Bunker Group reefs lie 80-100 km north-east of Bundaberg and 50-90 km east of the Town of 1770. Private boats launch from the 1770 Marina or Round Hill Creek ramp (bar crossing – check tides), or from Burnett Heads (Bundaberg Port Marina); expect 1.5-4 hours depending on vessel and destination. Yachts commonly anchor overnight in the Lady Musgrave or Fitzroy Reef lagoons and dive the surrounding reefs by tender.

The south-east gardens are outside the Fitzroy lagoon on the reef's south-eastern side; reached by tender from the lagoon anchorage or by boats from Heron Island on long-range trips.

The Bunker reefs are open ocean: south-east trades over about 20 knots make the crossing from 1770 or Bundaberg rough and limit diving to the lee (north-western) sides, while the Fitzroy and Lady Musgrave lagoons provide secure anchorages. The best windows are September-December and March-May calms. Tidal currents run strongly around reef edges and through lagoon entrances on springs.

Cyclone season November-April; summer plankton reduces visibility. The south-east side faces the trade winds and is only comfortable in light winds or northerlies.

Descend onto the gardens at 6-10 m and meander among the brain coral bommies, keeping watch for mantas passing overhead, and return shallow for a long safety stop.

No scheduled day trips. Lady Musgrave Experience mentions the northern Bunker reefs (Boult, Llewellyn, Lamont and Fitzroy) as remote sites for special or extended trips, Heron Island Resort has historically run occasional long-range trips to the northern Bunker reefs, and most diving is from private yachts and occasional liveaboards. The site has been used as a shallow second dive on Heron Island trips.