Meet the site
Aughinish Rock is an isolated shallow reef about 3 km south of Montague Island. The Marine Life Network describes a large shallow plateau whose outer edges drop to 20–30 m, packed with sponges and soft corals. It is best known as the reef that sank the SS Lady Darling. Just after midnight on 10–11 November 1880, the Lady Darling's chief officer changed course and the ship struck Aughinish Rock on her port side near the engine room; she sank some 5.5 km to the south-west.
The plateau is shallow enough to break in large swell and is covered in kelp and encrusting algae, with blue groper, wrasse, sweep and schools of yellowtail and silver trevally. The outer walls are the highlight: sponges, soft corals, gorgonians and sea squirts in many colours, with bullseyes and eastern blue devilfish in the crevices. Being isolated and exposed, it attracts pelagic fish, and seals from Montague often pass through.
The dive suits Advanced divers who can manage a wall to 30 m and possible current, though Open Water divers can enjoy the plateau with a guide. It combines naturally with a dive on the Lady Darling. Coordinates here are estimated from the descriptions (3 km south of Montague and 5.5 km north-east of the wreck) and should be confirmed. McFadyen spells the name Anghinish. Because it is exposed and some distance from Narooma, it is dived far less often than the island sites, and a calm, clear day here is something of a prize for local divers. Operators usually decide on the morning whether conditions justify the longer run.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Aughinish Rock is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Narooma & Montague Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Aughinish Rock suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Aughinish Rock through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Sponges, soft corals, gorgonians, sea squirts, kelp, blue groper, wrasse, sweep, yellowtail, silver trevally, bullseyes, eastern blue devilfish, kingfish, fur seals
Location
Shallow rock and plateau about 3 km south of Montague Island whose outer edges drop to 20–30 m and are packed with sponges and soft corals; the reef the SS Lady Darling struck in 1880.
Facilities nearby
Narooma town wharf and marina; Bermagui harbour.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
marinelife.org.aumichaelmcfadyenscuba.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.