The Outer Gneering Shoals lie further offshore than the Inner Gneerings, about 30 minutes by boat from Mooloolaba. SubSurface Scuba describes an average depth of 18 m and a maximum of 25 m, visibility of around 15 m, and terrain of rock and boulder formations with spreads of coral. Scuba Diver Life notes heavier coral growth and bigger fish than on the inner reef.

The extra distance buys clearer water and more pelagic action. SubSurface lists pelagic fish in winter, along with wobbegongs, leatherjackets, baitfish, angelfish, wrasse, butterflyfish and urchins. The best-known site on the outer reef is Magic Mountain, a complex of outcrops, gullies, swim-throughs and pinnacles in about 25 m that has its own row in this database.

SubSurface recommends the outer reef for Open Water and Advanced divers only, and in practice the depth, current and exposure make it a better fit for divers with some experience; Open Water divers should stay within their 18 m limit and a guide. Because the site is more exposed than the inner shoals, operators visit it on calmer days.

For divers who have done the Inner Gneerings and Mudjimba, the Outer Gneerings are the natural next step: bigger topography, bigger fish and better visibility, while still within a half-hour of the Mooloolaba wharf. Winter is the best season, when visibility is at its clearest and pelagic schools move along the coast; humpback whales pass the reef between June and October and are often seen on the run out. In summer the outer reef sees warmer water and leopard sharks, but more plankton and afternoon northerly winds.

Mooloolaba's dive boats leave from The Wharf on the Mooloolah River (Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba), about 1.5 hours' drive north of Brisbane via the Bruce Highway and Sunshine Motorway. Scuba World's shop is about 40 m from its boat, with 100+ free all-day parking spaces nearby; Sunreef departs from the same precinct. Boats run down the calm river, cross the Mooloolah River mouth beside Point Cartwright and head north-east to the reefs – about 15 minutes to the Inner Gneerings and Mudjimba Island.

Private boats can launch at the Mooloolaba (Parkyn Parade/Lions Park) ramps. Operators choose between sites on the day according to swell and current.

The Mooloolaba reefs are open-ocean sites with no shelter from the south-east trade winds or easterly swell. Operators generally cancel when winds exceed about 20 knots or swell makes the river-mouth crossing and moorings unsafe; they confirm trips by email and text around 3.30 pm the day before. Northerly winds (common on summer afternoons) also make the reefs choppy, so morning trips are more reliable.

Visibility averages about 12 m offshore (range 3-30 m) and is clearest after southerly winds and in winter; it drops after easterly blows and heavy rain. Winter (June-October) brings 19-21°C water, grey nurse sharks and humpback whales; summer (November-May) brings 25-27°C water, leopard sharks and lower visibility.

Descend the line to 18-20 m, work into the current along the boulder and outcrop line, watching the water column for pelagics, and turn on a third of your gas. Ascend on the line or an SMB for a live pickup if the current picks up.

Sunreef Mooloolaba – double reef dives most days, rotating between Mudjimba Island, Nurse Rock, Hanging Rock and Caves; Scuba World Mooloolaba – reef double dives rotating through the Gneering Shoals and Mudjimba sites; SubSurface Scuba – Sunshine Coast reef double dives.