Meet the site
Five Star is a deep coral reef off the south-western side of Lord Howe, about 2 km south-west of Man of War Passage and 1.5 km outside the barrier reef. Michael McFadyen describes it as a circular reef of coral about 80 m by 80 m, rising from a sandy bottom at 40 m to about 30 m, with a lip on the northern side at around 28 m and the shallowest section in the south at about 26 m. The shape is crater-like, with a raised rim on the northern side.
The name reflects the coral. McFadyen writes that the coral here is 'extremely varied and possibly the healthiest you will see anywhere', which is a strong statement from one of Australia's most prolific dive-site writers, and a remarkable one for a reef at 31.5 degrees south and 26 m deep. The depth protects the coral from wave damage and the clear oceanic water lets light reach it.
Fish life includes Galapagos sharks and whaler sharks, tropical reef fish, anemonefish, glass shrimp, eels and blue-spot butterflyfish. McFadyen recorded at least 35 m visibility, 21.7°C and little or no current, but notes that operators avoid anchoring because currents are possible and instead use a small anchor attached to a float.
This is a deep dive throughout, so bottom time is short and it is suitable only for deep-trained divers. Nitrox helps. Because the whole reef is below 26 m, there is no shallow reef for the safety stop, which is done on the line. For divers with the qualifications it is a showcase of Lord Howe's coral, and a very different experience from the rocky northern sites.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Five Star is recorded as Reef in Lord Howe Island. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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.
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 Five Star suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Five Star 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
Hard corals (exceptionally varied), Galapagos sharks, whaler sharks, anemonefish, glass shrimp, eels, blue-spot butterflyfish, tropical reef fish
Location
A circular coral reef about 80 m across rising from 40 m to 26 m, about 2 km south-west of Man of War Passage and 1.5 km from the barrier reef.
Facilities nearby
Departure from the Lagoon Road boatsheds.
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.