The reef has more than 175 fish species . There are more species and varieties of corals in this one area than any other single reef on the Great Barrier Reef . The diverse amount of marine life include schools of wrasse , sweetlip , trevally , parrotfish , bat , surgeon , turtles and tropical fish . Manta rays , wobbegongs and leopard sharks are among the larger creatures that reside here . Sightings of whaler sharks are sometimes seen on the eastern side of Flinders . During the months of June to September , humpback whales can be seen on the surface as they pass by . In 1986 the Australian Army ship Crusader ( AV2767 ) was sunk near the reef and has become a popular dive wreck . The reef was zoned as a marine park in 1998 . The reef was not affected by the 2009 southeast Queensland oil spill
2009 southeast Queensland oil spill
2009 southeast Queensland oil spill
Flinders Reef