Meet the site
Black Rock is a small rocky island in the southern part of Batemans Bay, and it has more features per square metre than almost anywhere else in the area. The eastern and southern ends drop dramatically to about 15 m, while the northern and western sides are less vertical. Sand gutters, ridges, vertical walls rising to the surface, sandy bowls, swim-throughs and caves are all packed around the rock, and a drift dive is the best way to see several of them in one go.
McFadyen describes the route: drop in off the northern side, go over a ridge onto the sand gutter at about 19 m and follow the wall south and then south-east. Then turn right, head west back onto the main wall and continue south until the wall turns west over a sandy bottom. The dive passes under The Arch at about 15 m and finishes by following the wall on the left to a long, low cave running back under Black Rock. Along the way expect blue groper, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks and eastern blue devilfish, with yellow zoanthids, sponges, gorgonians and sea squirts on the walls. The Marine Life Network describes Black Rock as a 20–25 m boat dive with the Arch, a bubble cave with an air pocket, small caves and sponge gardens.
The drift suits Advanced divers who can manage buoyancy near walls and caves and deploy an SMB. Without current, the same features can be dived as separate sites from an anchor: The Arch, the Bubble Cave, The Tunnel and The Chimney. McFadyen notes that the cave sections silt easily and wobbegongs may be lying just inside.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Black Rock Drift is recorded as Drift in Batemans Bay. 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Black Rock Drift 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 Black Rock Drift 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
Blue groper, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, eastern blue devilfish, cuttlefish, yellow zoanthids, sponges, gorgonians, sea squirts, silver sweep, yellowtail
Location
Drift dive down the eastern and southern walls of Black Rock off Lilli Pilli, Batemans Bay, linking the sand gutter, walls, The Arch and the long low cave under the rock; 10–20 m.
Facilities nearby
Mosquito Bay (Lilli Pilli) and Hanging Rock boat ramps; air and nitrox at Beneath the Bay.
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.infomarinelife.org.aubeneaththebay.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.