Meet the site
Liv's Crack takes its name from Olivia, a Pro Dive guide, and was documented by Michael McFadyen on a dive with Pro Dive. It lies about 2 km south of North Passage and about 500 m off the barrier reef on the western side of the island. The site is defined by a number of narrow gullies or cracks running into the coral bottom and across the reef, both east–west and north–south.
The boat anchors in about 18 m. The main crack runs north, dropping to 20 m at first and shallowing to about 12 m, with overhangs that gradually deepen back towards 18 m. McFadyen found crayfish in groups under the overhangs – a sign of how well protected Lord Howe's reefs are. After about 20 minutes the crack ends, and the route crosses a bowl to a narrower crack running south, then heads east over the reef top.
Fish life includes butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, schools of trevally, sharks, pufferfish and one-spot pullers, and anemones with glass shrimp are a good macro subject. McFadyen recorded 21.7°C and at least 30 m visibility in May.
The dive is a navigation-friendly one because the cracks lead you along, and at 11–20 m it suits Open Water divers. It is a particularly good site for divers who like structure – the cracks are narrow enough to feel enclosed while always open to the surface, so there is no true overhead. Like the rest of the western outer reef, it is dived in the prevailing easterly weather and closes in westerly swell.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Liv's Crack 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Liv's Crack 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 Liv's Crack 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
Crayfish (in groups), butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, trevally schools, sharks, pufferfish, one-spot pullers, anemones with glass shrimp
Location
Narrow gullies cut into the coral bottom about 2 km south of North Passage and 500 m off the barrier reef on the western outer 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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.