Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef is one of the oldest artificial reefs in Australia, begun in 1975 when more than 17,000 car tyres were placed on the seabed about 7 km east-south-east of St Helena Island in central Moreton Bay. Two hundred shopping trolleys followed in 1987, and between 2008 and 2014 the reef was enhanced with 450 tonnes of concrete pipes (2010), the 24 m vessel Tiwi Pearl, scuttled in 2010 in about 21 m, and a 26 m barge in 2014. The reef covers 34 hectares according to Queensland Parks (92 hectares according to marinelife.org.au).

It is included in this database because it appears in regional dive-site lists and because the Tiwi Pearl is a genuine wreck, but divers need to know that the current Moreton Bay Marine Park artificial reef rules prohibit scuba diving and snorkelling here; the reef is managed as a recreational fishing site, with spearfishing and commercial line fishing also banned. marinelife.org.au describes the dive experience as limited in any case: visibility is often only about 2.5 m in the turbid central bay, the fish life reported by divers has been sparse, rays are the main sighting, and discarded fishing line is a hazard. The structures do attract snapper, sweetlip, cod and baitfish, which is why anglers value it. For divers, the lesson is that the inner-bay artificial reefs are not substitutes for Curtin Artificial Reef, which offers far better visibility, many more wrecks and permitted diving on the western side of Moreton Island.

Check the latest QPWS rules before planning any visit.

Boat access only. Launch at Manly Boat Harbour or the Wynnum/Lota ramps and run east past St Helena Island for about 7 km (15-25 minutes in a trailer boat). The reef and its structures are marked on the Queensland Parks artificial reef locality map.

Anchoring is permitted but under current reef rules scuba diving and snorkelling are prohibited, so this is a fishing site; any diving would require specific permission. No dive operator runs trips.

Central Moreton Bay is shallow and turbid; visibility is typically poor (around 2-3 m) and only improves on big high tides after long dry spells with southerly winds. Tidal currents run across the reef; slack water is needed for any in-water work. North-easterly and south-easterly winds over 15 knots make the bay choppy.

Not a recreational dive site under current rules. If diving under permit, descend at slack water to the Tiwi Pearl at about 21 m and stay close to the structure in the poor visibility.

Diving prohibited under current Moreton Bay Marine Park artificial reef rules – check before any visit.

No dive operator. Used by recreational anglers; QPWS rules prohibit diving and snorkelling on this reef (marinelife.org.au notes a permit is required).