Meet the site
The Herring Pools are rock pools on Lord Howe's north coast, near Old Gulch. Pinetrees Lodge lists them as a snorkelling area, and the tourism site for North Bay describes the bay as a starting point for walks to Old Gulch and the Herring Pools. Islander Cruises mentions views of the Old Gulch and Herring Pools on its North Bay trip.
Rock pools on a volcanic coast like this are usually shallow basins in the lava platform, filled by the tide and by waves washing over the rim, and they trap small reef fish, crabs, sea stars and other invertebrates. They can be good for children and for snorkellers who want to look at small things close up.
The north coast is exposed to northerly swell, and rock pools can be dangerous when waves break over the platform, so they should be visited only on a calm day. The walk from North Bay is short but there are no facilities.
Most visitors see the Herring Pools as part of a North Bay day that combines snorkelling in the bay, the Favourite wreck, and walks to Old Gulch and Mt Eliza. They suit families and casual snorkellers in calm conditions. Check zoning before collecting anything – most of Lord Howe's shoreline is within marine park zones where collecting is restricted.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Herring Pools is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Lord Howe Island. 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.
- 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 Herring Pools 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 Herring Pools 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
Small reef fish, crabs, sea stars and other rock-pool invertebrates (general; not specifically documented)
Location
Rock pools on Lord Howe's north coast near Old Gulch, reached on foot from North Bay.
Facilities nearby
None; nearest at North Bay.
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
pinetrees.com.aulordhoweisland-australia.comislandercruises.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.