Ned's Bommie is one of Heron Reef's shallower sites, starting at about 12 m around a large bommie that is riddled with glassfish and the predators that hunt them. It is a classic single-structure dive where the density of life on one coral head keeps divers occupied for the whole dive. Coral trout and coral cod stalk the glassfish clouds, moray eels lurk in holes, and scorpionfish sit camouflaged on the bommie waiting for prey.

Nudibranchs graze the sponges and corals, making the site productive for macro photographers. The bommie is also a resting spot for turtles and reef sharks, which can often be found tucked under ledges or lying on the sand nearby. Because the site is shallow and centred on one bommie, navigation is simple and the dive is suitable for all levels.

It is a good option for newer divers, for relaxed afternoon dives and for photographers who want long bottom times on a subject-rich structure. Watching the predator-prey interaction in the glassfish schools is a highlight: trout and cod make sudden rushes into the clouds, which part and reform around them. A torch helps pick out the colours under the overhangs where the glassfish shelter.

Ned's Bommie is less well known than Heron Bommie or North Bommie, but it offers a similar experience with fewer divers. Published depth information is limited to its starting depth of about 12 m. The site makes a good follow-up to North Bommie for divers who enjoyed the glassfish and predator action there but want a quieter version with fewer people around the structure.

Heron Island is 72 km north-east of Gladstone. Fly or drive to Gladstone, then take the Heron Islander ferry from the Gladstone Marina terminal (72 Bryan Jordan Drive; check-in from 7:45 am, departs 9:30 am on scheduled days, about 2 hours), or transfer by seaplane or helicopter. Dive gear is carried on the ferry in addition to baggage.

On the island, the dive centre sits beside the harbour; boats leave the jetty for three dives daily and most Heron Reef sites are 5-15 minutes away. Ned's Bommie is a short boat ride from the jetty.

Heron Reef sites are chosen on the day by wind and tide. The prevailing south-east trade winds (strongest April-September, often 15-25 knots) make the southern and south-eastern reef edge rough, so the sheltered northern and western sites are dived most. Northerly winds in spring and summer reverse this.

The tidal range is up to 3-4 m and currents run strongly around the reef edge and through Wistari Channel on springs; visibility is usually best on the incoming tide. Cyclone season is November-April; summer storms and plankton blooms can drop visibility to 10 m. Stingers are uncommon this far south but present in summer.

Descend to the base of the bommie at about 12 m and circle it slowly, looking into the glassfish clouds for hunting trout and cod, and under ledges for resting turtles and sharks. Spiral up the bommie for the second half and finish the safety stop on its top.

Heron Island Resort Dive Centre is the only operator: three guided boat dives a day (about 9 am, 11 am and 3 pm) plus scheduled night dives, from the resort jetty; sites are rotated by tide and wind. Access requires a stay at Heron Island Resort (or the University of Queensland research station).