Meet the site
Ballina Rock – McFadyen calls it Ballina Bommie – takes its name from the Ballina angelfish, the rare banded angelfish that has made Balls Pyramid famous among fish-watchers. The bommie is a large rock that breaks the surface west of the Pyramid, with substantial boulders scattered across a bottom of about 24 m and a maximum depth close to 28 m. McFadyen dived it in May with 40 m visibility and a strong westerly current, which is typical of the site's exposure.
The structure is simple: a steep-sided rock surrounded by a jumble of boulders. That makes navigation easy – keep the rock on one side – and the boulder field is where most of the life is. Crayfish tuck under the rocks, Spanish dancer nudibranchs sit on the open faces, and the fish life is a mix of subtropical and tropical species: dot-and-dash butterflyfish and other butterflyfish, kingfish, batfish and schools of reef fish. Galapagos sharks cruise around the bommie for the whole dive.
The Ballina angelfish is the reason divers ask for this site. It is a deep-reef species that recreational divers rarely see anywhere, but at Balls Pyramid it comes shallow enough to find in the boulders, and guides know where to look. Sightings are not guaranteed.
The dive is usually run from a live boat with an anchor and buoy system for the descent, and divers ascend in open water. The current can be strong and changeable, so this is a site for advanced divers who can manage buoyancy in current near the bottom and an open-water safety stop. It is usually paired with Observatory Rock or South East Rock on the same day, depending on which side of the Pyramid is sheltered.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Balls Pyramid – Ballina Rock is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Lord Howe 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.
- 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 Balls Pyramid – Ballina 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 Balls Pyramid – Ballina 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
Ballina angelfish, Galapagos sharks, kingfish, batfish, crayfish, Spanish dancer nudibranchs, dot-and-dash butterflyfish and other butterflyfish, schooling reef fish
Location
A rock bommie that breaks the surface off the western side of Balls Pyramid, surrounded by large boulders on a 24–28 m bottom.
Facilities nearby
Departure from the Lagoon Road boatsheds; toilets and rinse at the shop.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infodiveplanit.comdivelordhowe.comprodive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.