Scuba Diving in South West Rocks
The Ultimate Guide
South West Rocks is a sleepy coastal town on New South Wales’ mid‑north coast, roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. Its claim to fame is Fish Rock Island, a 120‑metre-long ocean cave that tunnels right through the rock and attracts scores of grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs and schooling fish. The East Australian Current bathes the area in nutrient‑rich water, supporting an astonishing mix of temperate and tropical species and making South West Rocks one of Australia’s best shark dives. Beyond Fish Rock, drift over the reefy slopes of Green Island, dive the colourful “Aquarium”, or explore pinnacles like Fish Bommies where glassfish swirl over sponges. With a laid‑back country vibe and rugged coastline, South West Rocks combines exciting diving with hikes, beaches and heritage sites on shore.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
17–25 °C
Visibility
10–25 m
Diving Highlights
Best Months to Dive
Getting to South West Rocks for Diving
✈️Transportation
South West Rocks lies about 460 km north of Sydney and 440 km south of Brisbane.
Most visitors drive (around 4.5–5 hours from either city) or take a coach along the Pacific Highway.
The nearest airports are Port Macquarie (1 hour’s drive) and Coffs Harbour (1.5 hours); rental cars and regional buses connect both airports to South West Rocks.
Once in town, dive operators run daily boat trips 2 km offshore to Fish Rock Island and nearby Green Island.
Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to seaside lodges, and it’s advisable to book in advance during holiday periods.
Country
Australia
Currency
Australian Dollar
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz, Type I plug
Cost of a Dive Trip in South West Rocks
Day Trip
Dive Resort
Meal
Accommodation
Best Dive Sites in South West Rocks
🐠Fish Rock Cave
South West Rocks’ signature dive is a 120‑metre tunnel that runs right through Fish Rock Island. Enter via the shallow western entrance at 10 m, swim through a vertical “chimney” lined with sponges, then emerge at the deeper eastern exit around 24 m. Along the way you’ll encounter sleeping grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, Queensland grouper, turtles and clouds of baitfish. Surge can be felt at the shallow entrance on rough days.
🐢The Aquarium
A gently sloping reef adjacent to Fish Rock, the Aquarium is ideal for less experienced divers and photographers. It starts in 7 m of water and descends to 18 m, with abundant sponges, soft corals and schooling fish. Expect blue gropers, morwongs, bream and the occasional turtle, with kingfish and dolphins sometimes making surprise appearances.
🦈Colorado Pass (Wildside)
Also known as the Wildside, Colorado Pass is a deeper site exposed to the East Australian Current. Stronger currents bring pelagics such as kingfish, mackerel and bull rays, and there’s always the chance of spotting a bull shark. The reef drops from 12 m to over 30 m, with ledges and caves hosting wobbegongs and schools of baitfish.
🐙Green Island
This offshore sand and coral island between the marina and Fish Rock offers a spectacular drift dive when weather permits. Starting around 12 m, divers drift along boulder fields and sand gutters watching wobbegongs, guitarfish and rays on the bottom while schools of reef and pelagic fish stream overhead. In good conditions, you may also see white‑spotted eagle rays and even silky sharks on the outer edge.
🐚Fish Bommies
A series of pinnacles near Fish Rock, Fish Bommies are covered in sponges and soft corals and swarm with glassfish. Wobbegongs hide under overhangs while turtles and kingfish cruise in the blue. The site ranges from 15–25 m and makes a great second dive after exploring the cave.
What Divers Say About Diving in South West Rocks
Earl Philip
Technical DiverDiving South West Rocks delivers equal parts adventure and awe. The headline act is Fish Rock Cave: a 120 m tunnel packed with giant sponges, swaying kelp and enough fish to fill an aquarium. Swimming through the chimney section, with beams of light piercing the blue and grey nurse sharks gliding past, gives you goosebumps every time. On the reef outside the cave you’ll find turtles, wobbegongs, bull rays and shoals of kingfish, while the Aquarium offers a colourful, current‑sheltered dive full of temperate and tropical species. When conditions allow, the drift along Green Island is magical – imagine being carried over sandy gullies while eagle rays, guitarfish and a mix of reef and pelagic fish cruise by. The water can be chilly compared with tropical reefs, but the encounters are worth the goosebumps, and the friendly coastal town makes surface intervals feel like a seaside holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in South West Rocks
When is the best time to dive South West Rocks?
Diving is great all year. Summer (Nov–Mar) offers the warmest water (24–25 °C) and visibility up to 25 m, with a chance to see schooling hammerheads. Winter and spring (May–Oct) bring cooler water (18–22 °C) but the grey nurse sharks aggregate and humpback whales migrate nearby.
What marine life can I see there?
Fish Rock and Green Island teem with grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, turtles, rays, kingfish and schooling fish. Between October and January hammerhead sharks sometimes appear, and from May to November you may hear or see humpback whales.
Is South West Rocks suitable for beginners?
The Fish Rock Cave dive is recommended for divers with at least 20 logged dives and good buoyancy control. Beginners can enjoy easier sites like the Aquarium and shore dives around the boat ramp before attempting the cave.
How many dive sites are there?
Local operators regularly visit Fish Rock Cave, Fish Bommies, the Aquarium, Colorado Pass (also known as the Wildside), Green Island and a handful of lesser‑known reefs. Each offers different topography and marine life.
Can I dive with sharks here?
Yes. Grey nurse sharks are present year‑round, wobbegong sharks live on the reef, and hammerhead sharks visit between November and January. Divers may also see bull rays and occasionally bronze whalers.
What are the water temperatures and visibility like?
Water temperatures range from about 17 °C in winter to 25 °C in summer. Visibility varies from 10 to 25 m depending on wind and swell direction.
How do I get there and do I need a car?
South West Rocks is best reached by car or coach; it’s roughly 4.5–5 hours’ drive from Sydney or Brisbane. Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour airports offer rental cars and shuttle services. Having your own vehicle makes exploring the area’s beaches and national parks easier.
What else can I do in the area?
Visit Smoky Cape Lighthouse for panoramic views, tour the historic Trial Bay Gaol, hike in Hat Head National Park or relax on the long, empty beaches. Local cafés and coastal campgrounds add to the laid‑back charm.