Staghorn Banks lies among coral gardens and canyons in one of the most protected parts of Heron Reef. Its defining feature is a densely packed section of staghorn corals of several Acropora species, creating a thicket of branching colonies at about 14 m. The site is noted for its biodiversity, particularly molluscs, gastropods and crustaceans, which shelter among the branches.

The range of coral colours and growth forms is striking, and the thicket supports large numbers of small fish, including damsels and chromis, which dart into the branches as divers approach. Because it is sheltered, Staghorn Banks can be dived in conditions that rule out more exposed sites, and it is a calm, relaxing dive suitable for all levels. The main skill required is good buoyancy: staghorn is fragile, and a careless fin kick can break branches that took years to grow.

Photographers will find the staghorn thicket good for wide-angle reef scenes and the surrounding gardens and canyons good for exploring. Macro photographers can search for the small invertebrates hiding among the coral. Staghorn Banks provides a good example of how branching coral communities develop in sheltered water on the southern Great Barrier Reef.

It is a useful site to compare with Heron's exposed walls and current-swept bommies to understand the reef's range of habitats. Staghorn stands like this are also among the first corals to suffer in bleaching events and storms, and among the fastest to regrow, so the extent of the bank can change noticeably from year to year. Ask the dive team how it looks at present, and visit early in a stay if coral is a priority.

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. Staghorn Banks 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.

Staghorn Banks is one of the most sheltered diving areas on Heron Reef and is diveable in most wind conditions.

Descend to about 12-14 m beside the staghorn banks and slowly follow their edge, keeping well above the fragile branches. Look closely for molluscs, gastropods and crustaceans, then return through the neighbouring coral gardens and canyons, finishing shallow.

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).