Meet the site
South East Rock is the shallower, gentler counterpart to Observatory Rock and is often chosen as the second dive of a Balls Pyramid double. Michael McFadyen, who dived it in May, describes a flat rocky bottom at about 15–20 m with some sand, medium-sized boulders forming small reefs, overhangs and swim-throughs, and gutters floored with large pebbles. Diveplanit's account adds 2–3 m ledges stepping down the slope to about 30 m, with bare patches and crevices scattered throughout.
The rock is covered in surprisingly healthy plate coral for a site this far south, and the overhangs hold painted rock lobsters in numbers. Look closely on the rock for sea spiders and nudibranchs – McFadyen recorded Noumea and Phyllidia species – and on the open bottom for schools of chromis, surgeonfish, sweetlips and snapper. Silver trevally, kingfish and black cod patrol the edges, and a sea turtle is often seen. Galapagos sharks are present here too, though usually in smaller numbers than at Observatory Rock.
The Ballina angelfish and banded angelfish have both been recorded in this area, usually on the deeper ledges. With shallow depths and bottom times of more than 55 minutes possible, this is the site where photographers get time to work the lobsters and the coral in 30 m or more of visibility.
It suits advanced divers comfortable with open-water ascents and possible current. Even so, it is the easier of the Pyramid dives because the flat profile keeps most of the dive between 15 and 20 m, and the corner offers some protection from the prevailing south-east swell when it is dived from the right side. Access depends entirely on calm weather, and the boat usually anchors or runs live with a buoyed line for the descent.
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 – South East Rock is recorded as Reef 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 – South East 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 – South East 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
Galapagos sharks, painted rock lobsters, Ballina angelfish, banded angelfish, silver trevally, kingfish, black cod, chromis, surgeonfish, sweetlips, snapper, sea turtle, sea spiders, Noumea and Phyllidia nudibranchs, plate corals
Location
A rocky shelf of boulders, ledges and gutters at the south-eastern corner of Balls Pyramid, about 25 km south-east of the southern end of Lord Howe.
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.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.