Dawson’s Reef sits just southeast of Cooktown in Far North Queensland, close enough to shore to make it an accessible entry point into the broader Great Barrier Reef region. Identified on marine-park maps as reef 15-051, it lies near the Annan and Endeavour river systems, and Cooktown serves as the most practical base for reaching the area by boat. The reef draws local operators primarily for reef fishing, and the Australian Institute of Marine Science actively monitors water quality at the site.Documentation Index
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Location and Marine Park Context
Dawson’s Reef is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, near the confluence of the Annan and Endeavour river systems southeast of Cooktown in Far North Queensland. Its designation as reef 15-051 on marine-park maps means zoning rules — which govern what activities are permitted and where — apply directly to the site. Cooktown is the gateway town for organizing boat access to this part of the reef system.The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) monitors water quality at Dawson’s Reef, tracking indicators such as turbidity and chlorophyll levels as part of broader Great Barrier Reef health assessments. Data is accessible via the AIMS metadata catalogue.
Marine Life and Fishing
Local operators visit Dawson’s Reef for reef fishing, and the site is associated with a range of species typical of the Great Barrier Reef region.Reef Fish Species
Coral trout and nannygai are among the reef fish associated with Dawson’s Reef, along with tuna and mackerel in the surrounding waters.
Reef Ecosystem
As part of the Great Barrier Reef region, the site sits within one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, subject to ongoing AIMS monitoring.
Planning Your Trip
Use Cooktown as your base
Cooktown is the closest practical starting point for boat access to Dawson’s Reef. Local operators depart from here and know the specific navigation routes, tides, and conditions for the area.
Book with a Cooktown operator
Choose an operator with direct experience at reef 15-051. Ask about current zoning rules, what activities are permitted, and whether the reef is accessible on the planned date.
Understand current fishing rules
Reef fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is governed by zoning and species-specific regulations. Confirm bag limits, size limits, and any temporary closures with your operator before departure.
All visits to Dawson’s Reef should be arranged through a Cooktown-based operator who understands current marine-park zoning, weather patterns, fishing rules, and reef-protection requirements. Zoning rules in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park can change — always verify the current status with your operator rather than relying on outdated maps or guides.
Before You Go
Review the Reef Etiquette Guide for guidance on responsible behavior within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including rules around anchoring, waste, and wildlife interaction that apply across the park.What does AIMS monitoring tell us about Dawson's Reef?
What does AIMS monitoring tell us about Dawson's Reef?
The Australian Institute of Marine Science tracks water-quality indicators including turbidity and chlorophyll levels at Dawson’s Reef. These indicators reflect conditions in the waters near the Annan and Endeavour river systems, and the data is accessible via the AIMS metadata catalogue.