Meet the site
Bird Rock is one of Port Macquarie's most approachable boat dives, a partly surface-breaking rock formation — visibly marked by the seabirds that give it its name — with a maximum depth of just thirteen metres that makes it ideally suited to newly certified divers and a natural choice for check-out and confidence-building dives. The standard route is a straightforward circumnavigation of the rock's base, giving divers a complete, easily navigated loop with abundant and varied marine life along the way, while more experienced divers can extend the dive with a shallower 'fly-over' pass across the top of the formation for a different perspective and a look at the marine life using the shallower ledges. The site's abundant and varied fish and invertebrate life reflects its position within the general Port Macquarie nearshore reef system, supporting typical mid-north-coast temperate and subtropical species without being built around one particular signature animal or feature. Its shallow depth allows generous bottom times, often extending well past the fifty-minute mark, and its accessibility close to Port Macquarie's Town Wharf makes it a convenient, low-commitment dive that Scuba Haven includes regularly in its rotation. Bird Rock works well both as a stand-alone easy dive and as part of a two-dive day paired with a deeper or more demanding site such as the Cod Hole, giving visiting divers a good sense of the range of diving available close to Port Macquarie township. Its forgiving profile also makes it a sensible choice for a warm-up dive before tackling one of the area's deeper or more current-affected sites later the same day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bird Rock (Port Macquarie) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Port Macquarie & Camden Haven. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Bird Rock (Port Macquarie) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Bird Rock (Port Macquarie) 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
Abundant and varied reef fish typical of Port Macquarie's nearshore reef system
Location
A partly surface-breaking rock off Port Macquarie, maximum depth 13 m, offering a beginner-friendly circumnavigation route and a deeper 'fly-over' option for advanced divers.
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
mudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.