Meet the site
Black Rock's northern side sits within a small, sheltered bay formed by the gap between the two main rock outcrops that make up the site, a low reef roughly the size of two tennis courts off Smoky Cape Beach. The bay gives divers protection from all but the calmest-day currents, with depths around eight metres at the rocks dropping gently to sixteen on the surrounding sand, and it is dived as a distinct, separate excursion from the southern side to keep divers within sight of the boat given the modest size of the whole formation. Crevices six to eight metres deep cut into the rock, opening onto small boulder fields and then a reef edge, and the northern side is particularly known for its dense growth of large plate coral — an unusual and attractive feature this far south, reflecting the site's transitional temperate-subtropical position. The northern side supports an easy, all-levels dive with strong photographic appeal: egg cowries described locally as looking like diamonds on black velvet, resident loggerhead and green turtles including a distinctive three-flippered loggerhead known to frequent the site, large black stingrays and white-spotted shovelnose rays cruising the sand, and moray eels, lionfish and nudibranchs tucked into the crevices. Schooling baitfish and tropical species move over the reef, and grey nurse sharks are an occasional but real possibility given the proximity to Fish Rock and Green Island. Because of its shallow depth, sheltered bay and gentle topography, Black Rock North is regularly used as a relaxed second or third dive on a South West Rocks day, well suited to newly certified divers or as a change of pace from the more demanding Fish Rock sites, and its small footprint makes it easy to explore thoroughly within a single tank.
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 (South West Rocks) – Northern Side is recorded as Reef in South West Rocks. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Black Rock (South West Rocks) – Northern Side 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 Black Rock (South West Rocks) – Northern Side 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
Loggerhead and green turtles (including a resident three-flippered loggerhead), large black stingrays, white-spotted shovelnose rays, moray eels, lionfish, egg cowries, plate coral, grey nurse sharks (occasional)
Location
The northern half of a pair of small rock outcrops off Smoky Cape Beach between Smoky Cape Lighthouse and Hat Head, split by a central gully from the southern side.
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
fishrock.com.aumichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.