Meet the site
Bonner Rocks is a rocky reef off Gove described by the Marine Life Network as providing a pristine coral reef rich in fish life, with the added attraction of an old trawler wreck. It spans roughly 7–25 m, making it suitable for most certified divers when conditions allow.
The rocks themselves are covered in coral growth, and the published species list reads like a tropical reef checklist: angelfish, sweetlips, butterflyfish, wrasse, coralfish, coral trout, rock cod, parrotfish, surgeonfish, damsels and anemonefish. Expect hard coral heads and plates on the rock, soft corals and gorgonians where the current runs, and small invertebrates – nudibranchs, feather stars, crabs – in the crevices.
The trawler wreck changes the character of the dive. Old fishing boats on reefs in the Top End quickly become fish magnets, and the Bonner Rocks wreck is reported to hold gropers, queenfish, trevally, barracuda, batfish, cobia and tuna. The name and history of the vessel have not been published, and nothing suggests it is intact enough for penetration; treat it as an exterior dive.
Because Gove lies at the entrance to the Gulf of Carpentaria with smaller tides and fewer river outflows than Darwin, visibility is usually better than western Top End sites, and the corals are healthier in shallower water. Bonner Rocks suits Open Water and advanced divers who can arrange a boat through local contacts. Its remoteness and lack of published positions mean it is known mainly to Gove residents. Combining the reef and the wreck in one dive is realistic at these depths, but plan the wreck portion first while gas and no-decompression time are greatest, and return to the shallower rocks for the second half.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bonner Rocks is recorded as Reef in East Arnhem Land & Gove. 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.
- 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 Bonner Rocks 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 Bonner Rocks 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
Gropers, queenfish, trevally, barracuda, batfish, cobia, tuna, coral trout, rock cod, sweetlips, angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, parrotfish, surgeonfish, damsels, anemonefish
Location
Offshore rocky reef near Gove with pristine coral and the wreck of an old trawler.
Facilities nearby
Gove Boat Club (Drimmie Head Road, Melville Bay) – boat ramp, bar, meals, moorings; fuel and supplies in Nhulunbuy. Air fills only through the local dive business (confirm availability) – serious divers bring or arrange compressor access.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.