Wilson Island is a small coral cay on Wilson Reef, a short distance north of Heron Island, in the Capricorn Group. It is a national park island known for turtle and seabird nesting, and its surrounding reef and lagoon offer fringing-reef diving and snorkelling similar to that around Heron. Published dive descriptions are scarce, but the reef has featured on liveaboard itineraries touring the Capricorn Group, listed separately as Wilson Island and Wilson Reef.

Divers can expect the typical Capricorn mix of hard coral gardens, turtles, reef sharks, rays and abundant reef fish, especially on the sheltered lee side. Wilson Island has at times been associated with small-scale eco-accommodation linked to Heron Island, but visitors should check the current status, as there is no regular dive service. For most divers, access will be by private boat or liveaboard.

During the turtle nesting season (November-March) green and loggerhead turtles are common around the reef, and nesting seabirds make the island noisy and busy; visitors must respect closures and keep away from nesting areas. The site suits divers of all levels in calm weather, particularly as a relaxed reef dive on a multi-day trip through the Capricorn cays. Detailed information on individual sites around Wilson Reef is not publicly available, so treat any dive as exploratory.

The Capricorn Group lies 60-100 km north-east of Gladstone. Private boats launch from Gladstone Marina (Bryan Jordan Drive; ramps, fuel and trailer parking) and cross the shipping approaches and open water, typically 2-4 hours depending on vessel and destination; the Capricorn Bunker liveaboards that occasionally visit depart Gladstone or Yeppoon (Rosslyn Bay) and anchor overnight in the lee of the cays. Camping on the national park cays requires a QPWS permit and a camper transfer or private vessel.

Wilson Island lies a short boat ride north of Heron Island (roughly 15 km). There is no regular dive service; divers visit by private boat or on Capricorn Bunker liveaboard itineraries, which anchor on the lee side of Wilson Reef.

The Capricorn cays are exposed to the south-east trades (often 15-25 knots April-September), which make the Gladstone crossing rough and restrict diving to the lee (north-western) sides. The calmest windows are typically September-December and March-April. Northerlies in spring and summer reverse the sheltered sides.

Tidal currents run strongly around reef edges and channels on springs. Cyclone season November-April. Wilson Reef's lee side offers shelter in moderate south-easterlies.

Anchor in the lee of Wilson Reef, descend to the reef edge at 10-15 m and follow it with the reef on one side, returning over the shallower coral for the safety stop.

No daily operator. Occasional liveaboard itineraries (for example the 8-diver MV Adori run by Professional Dive Services, 4 days/3 nights from Yeppoon) and fishing/snorkel charters such as Eastern Voyager visit the Capricorn cays; otherwise private boats and camping groups only. Wilson Island and Wilson Reef appear on MV Adori itineraries.