Meet the site
Cherubs Cave takes its name from a small concrete cherub that once marked the main entrance to this hidden cave; the statue has long gone, but the name stuck. The cave is large and roughly circular, about 20 m by 15 m, and Brisbane Scuba describes it as a choose-your-own-adventure dive because there are six exits. The accessible area narrows quickly away from the main chamber, so divers stay in the large open space and use the exits rather than pushing into restrictions. Around the cave the reef is broken into rocky gullies, smaller caves and overhangs in 20-30 m, north of Hendersons Rock on the ocean side of Moreton Island. The cave shelters wobbegongs and schools of fish, and big turtles and gropers are common. Pelagic species such as barracuda, kingfish and trevally sweep over the reef, and in winter grey nurse sharks gather in the gutters nearby, sometimes in good numbers; Nigel Marsh reports two to twelve per dive on the eastern sites in the colder months. The reef also holds plenty of critters for those who look closely. Because of its depth, exposure and overhead environment, UniDive and other guides recommend it for advanced divers. It is typically dived in winter, when westerly weather makes the east coast accessible, and usually paired with China Wall on a Brisbane Scuba two-dive day. For divers who enjoy caverns with plenty of light and options, and who want a good chance of grey nurse sharks, it is one of the standout dives off Brisbane. Water temperatures are about 19-21°C in the winter diving season, so a 5-7 mm suit with hood is usual.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cherubs Cave is recorded as Cave/Cavern in Brisbane & Moreton Bay. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 Cherubs Cave 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 Cherubs Cave 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
Grey nurse sharks (winter), wobbegongs, turtles, gropers, barracuda, kingfish, trevally, schooling reef fish, critters
Location
Large circular cave with six exits, surrounded by gullies and overhangs, north of Hendersons Rock off the east side of Moreton Island.
Facilities nearby
Departure facilities at Manly Boat Harbour.
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
brisbanescuba.auunidive.orgmarinelife.org.ausupercatcharters.com.aunigelmarshphotography.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.