Meet the site
Cod Rock adds a distinctive geological feature to Broughton Island's dive roster: a lava tube swim-through, a reminder of the island's volcanic origins, running through a reef otherwise characterised by typical gutters and crevices in a depth range of twelve to eighteen metres. The tube gives the site a genuine sense of exploration beyond straightforward reef-hopping, and as the name suggests, cod are a notable resident, using both the tube and the surrounding crevices for shelter alongside the general mix of reef fish and invertebrates typical of Broughton Island's less current-swept, more sheltered corners. Compared with the island's headline grey nurse shark sites, Cod Rock is a lower-key, more purely scenic dive, well suited to a second or third dive on a Broughton Island day when the main shark encounter has already been had and a change of pace — structure and topography over megafauna — is welcome. The lava tube itself requires reasonable buoyancy control and a torch to appreciate fully, since the interior is naturally darker than the open reef, but it does not demand technical cave training given its size and straightforward through-passage. This is a good site for divers who enjoy geological features and swim-throughs as much as fish life, and it rounds out a well-varied Broughton Island itinerary alongside the more famous Looking Glass and Shark Gutters. Local guides rate it as one of the more interesting structural dives on the island precisely because so few other NSW sites offer a genuine lava tube to swim through.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Broughton Island – Cod Rock is recorded as Reef in Port Stephens. 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.
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 Broughton Island – Cod 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 Broughton Island – Cod 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
Cod, general reef fish and invertebrates typical of Broughton Island
Location
A reef at Broughton Island with gutters, crevices and a distinctive lava tube swim-through, in the 12-18 m range.
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.comletsgoadventures.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.