Pixie Gardens is a macro photographer's site south-west of Ribbon Reef No. 10, close to Pixie Pinnacle. Dive the World describes large and small bommies at 15 m or shallower, with gullies and canyons connecting the sandy floor to the main reef and numerous nooks and crannies. The site's reputation rests on leafy scorpionfish: up to three of these 10 cm fish, masters of camouflage that sway like dead leaves, have been found on the smaller bommie.

The layout is easy to navigate. The bommies rise from a sandy floor and are separated by gullies that lead back toward the main reef, so a diver can move from outcrop to outcrop without losing the way. Each bommie is covered in hard and soft corals and cut with overhangs that hide small animals. Because the depth rarely exceeds 15–20 m, bottom times are long, which suits slow, careful searching.

Beyond the leafy scorpionfish, expect the typical Pixie cast of anthias, damselfish, anemonefish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs and pipefish, with lionfish, stonefish and scorpionfish in the crevices. Fusiliers and trevally cross over the top, and whitetip reef sharks rest on the sand.

It is an ideal site for photographers with macro lenses and for newer divers who want a shallow, sheltered dive with plenty to find. Guides on the Ribbons often mark interesting subjects, so ask the crew where the resident leafy scorpionfish are sitting before you descend, and avoid touching the bommies while looking. Stonefish and scorpionfish share the same crevices, so look carefully before settling a hand or fin anywhere.

Liveaboard only (or fly-dive via Lizard Island). Mike Ball Dive Expeditions' Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom depart Cairns (Trinity Wharf / Marlin Marina) in the evening and steam north overnight, roughly 12–14 hours and 200–250 km, to reach the Ribbon Reefs by morning; some itineraries fly Cairns–Lizard Island (about one hour, scenic flight along the coast) and board or disembark there. Trips run 3–7 nights and include Pixie Gardens on some itineraries.

Divers enter by giant stride from the dive deck at the mooring and descend the mooring line. The bommies are close to the Pixie moorings, and the gardens are dived from the boat.

The Ribbon Reefs sit on the edge of the continental shelf and take the full south-east trade wind from April to October. Lagoon-side moorings stay diveable in 20–25 knot SE winds, but reef-front sites and passes need lighter winds; liveaboards shelter behind the reefs overnight. September to December is usually calmest.

Tidal flow through the gaps between the Ribbons is strong on springs, so exposed pinnacles are timed for slack water. December to April brings rain, lower visibility and cyclone risk; box jellyfish and Irukandji are possible November to May. A relatively shallow, sheltered site that is diveable in moderate trades.

Descend to the sand at 15 m, work around the smaller bommie with the guide to find the leafy scorpionfish, then follow the gullies and canyons toward the main reef, finishing on top of the larger bommie for a safety stop.

Ribbon Reef liveaboards (Spirit of Freedom, Mike Ball Dive Expeditions) – occasional.