Meet the site
The stretch of inshore reef north of the Richmond River mouth, running roughly from Black Head (also known as Skennars Head) up toward Lennox Head, forms a loose network of rocky ledges and gutters that is dived almost exclusively by private boat, since Ballina itself has not sustained a permanent dive centre in recent years. The reefs sit 1 to 3 km offshore in 10 to 22 m and share the same broken-rock, boulder-and-gutter character found up and down this section of the Far North Coast, without the fame or infrastructure of Julian Rocks a little further north. What makes the area worth the effort for local divers is the seasonal chance of grey nurse sharks, which move along this stretch of coast between the well-known aggregation sites at Tweed/Nine Mile Reef to the north and the Solitary Islands to the south, and are occasionally found resting in the deeper gutters here through the cooler months. Wobbegong sharks are common under the ledges, turtles move through regularly, and kingfish, mulloway and snapper work the reef structure, making this a legitimate, if under-documented, shark and reef dive for those with local knowledge or a private boat. The main obstacle to diving here is logistics rather than the reef itself: without a resident dive shop, divers need their own vessel or a visiting charter, and getting out means crossing the Ballina bar at the Richmond River mouth, a bar with a reputation for changing shape and becoming dangerous in a moderate swell or an outgoing tide, so timing the crossing matters as much as timing the dive. Visibility close to the river mouth is also more susceptible to freshwater outflow after Richmond River floods than the more oceanic conditions further offshore. This is a site for divers who already have their own boat and bar-crossing experience, or who can join a club or a visiting operator's occasional trip, rather than a walk-up charter destination.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ballina – Black Head / Lennox reef system is recorded as Reef in Ballina & Evans Head. The listed access is boat. 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.
- 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 Ballina – Black Head / Lennox reef system 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 Ballina – Black Head / Lennox reef system 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
Grey nurse sharks (seasonal), wobbegongs, turtles, kingfish, mulloway, snapper, nudibranchs
Location
Inshore rocky reefs north of the Richmond River mouth between Black Head (Skennars Head) and Lennox Head, 1-3 km offshore, forming a loose network of ledges and gutters dived mainly by private boat.
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.auunderwater.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.