Cook Island

Cook Island is a protected marine reserve located just off the Tweed Coast in New South Wales, Australia, accessible by boat from Tweed Heads. The site is part of the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, managed in collaboration with local Traditional Descendants, NSW government departments, and local conservation groups to ensure sustainable tourism.

The reef reaches a maximum depth of 16.5 metres with calm, shallow water around the island, making it well suited to beginner divers and snorkellers of all experience levels. The bottom is reef, with coral gardens providing the primary structure.

Cook Island is known for its resident green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles, which are regularly encountered in the water around the island. Other marine life recorded at the site includes large rays, Grey Nurse Sharks, nudibranchs, drummer, bream, giant dusky flathead, yellowtail, Red morwong, blackfish (Ludrick), and a variety of reef and tropical fish.