Meet the site
Hendersons Rock is widely described as one of Brisbane's best dive sites and also one of its least frequented, simply because it lies 4.5 km off the exposed ocean side of northern Moreton Island, a long way from any boat ramp. When conditions allow, it is a superb dive. The site is an extensive granite reef with a pinnacle rising to about 12 m from a base around 24-25 m. The rock is cut into ledges, overhangs and caves, with walls about 2 m high and swim-throughs, large caverns at around 25 m and a long, deep gutter running south-east of the pinnacle. Extensive kelp beds cover the western side, giving the reef a temperate feel unusual for South East Queensland. The gutter is the main winter attraction: grey nurse sharks gather there from about June, and divers who settle quietly at the edge can watch them cruise past. Queensland groupers, gummy sharks and wobbegongs are also regulars, along with schools of batfish and large pelagic fish in the open water. Close to the kelp and in the ledges there is plenty for macro enthusiasts, including seahorses, pipefish and nudibranchs. Visibility averages about 20 m. The combination of big animals, kelp and granite architecture makes Hendersons one of the most varied dives in the region, and the lack of boat traffic means the fish are relatively undisturbed. It suits experienced divers who can handle exposed conditions, and it is usually dived on winter trips that pair it with nearby Cherubs Cave or China Wall.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Hendersons Rock is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- 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 Hendersons 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 Hendersons 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
Grey nurse sharks (winter, in the gutter), Queensland groupers, gummy sharks, wobbegongs, batfish, pelagic schools, seahorses, pipefish, nudibranchs, kelp
Location
Granite reef and pinnacle about 4.5 km off the ocean side of northern Moreton Island, with kelp beds, gutters and caverns.
Facilities nearby
Departure facilities at Manly or Scarborough boat harbours.
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.ausupercatcharters.com.auunidive.orgadreno.com.aunigelmarshphotography.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.