Coastal Waters Forecast 

IDQ10860

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

Great Barrier Reef Offshore Waters Forecast: Bowen to Yeppoon

Issued at 9:00 am EST on Saturday 19 September 2026
for the period until midnight EST Monday 21 September 2026.

Please be aware
Wind and wave forecasts are averages. Wind gusts can be 40 per cent stronger than the forecast, and stronger still in squalls and thunderstorms. Maximum waves can be twice the forecast height.

Warning Information

Weather Situation

A high pressure ridge extends over the North Queensland waters, weakening on Sunday.

Forecast for Saturday 19 September until midnight

Winds: Southeasterly 10 to 15 knots, reaching up to 20 knots north of Creal Reef during the day. Winds turning easterly in the late evening. Seas: Around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres north of Creal Reef. Swell: East to southeasterly 1 to 1.5 metres. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Forecast for Sunday 20 September

Winds: Easterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots before dawn. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: East to southeasterly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres through the Capricorn Channel. Weather: Sunny.

Forecast for Monday 21 September

Winds: East to northeasterly about 10 knots. Seas: Below 1 metre. Swell: East to southeasterly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

The next routine forecast will be issued at 2:50 pm EST Saturday.

* Calls to 1300 numbers cost around 27.5c incl. GST, higher from mobiles or public phones. Marine forecasts are also available on VHF and HF radio. View the radio schedule on www.bom.gov.au/marine

Check the latest Coastal Waters Forecasts for information on wind, wave and weather conditions for neighbouring coastal zones.