Meet the site
Flat Rock, at North Bendalong about a kilometre north of the village, is a distinctive wide rock platform – about 130 m across – whose seaward edge is recommended locally as a good snorkelling and fishing spot. The rock formations shelter small reef creatures, and the water off the edge drops to typical South Coast rocky reef.
The platform edge gives access to kelp, ledges and cracks where luderick, bream, drummer and blue groper feed, along with rock-pool fauna such as crabs, sea stars and small fish.
The main hazard is the platform itself. Flat, wide rock platforms are notorious for waves that wash across them unexpectedly, and rock fishers are regularly caught out on this coast. Only use the site in calm seas at low to mid tide, wear solid footwear, avoid fishing lines, and never snorkel alone. When conditions are right it is a pleasant, uncrowded place for a snorkel, and it can be combined with the sheltered Washerwomans Beach nearby. The Walter Hood wreck site lies further north along the coast. There are no facilities on the platform, and mobile coverage can be patchy, so let someone know your plans. For divers based in the Bendalong area, organised scuba diving is available through Jervis Bay operators at Huskisson, about an hour's drive north. Bring fills with you, as there is no air in Bendalong.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Flat Rock (North Bendalong) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Shoalhaven Coast. The listed access is shore. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Flat Rock (North Bendalong) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Flat Rock (North Bendalong) 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
Luderick, bream, drummer, blue groper, crabs, sea stars, small reef fish, kelp
Location
Large flat rock platform about 130 m wide at North Bendalong, with snorkelling off its seaward edge.
Facilities nearby
Beach access parking; facilities in Bendalong village.
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
redheadatbendalong.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.