Meet the site
Nurse Rock has become one of the Sunshine Coast's signature dives. Formerly called Wobby (or Wobbie) Rock for its wobbegongs, it was renamed by operators after becoming 'one of Australia's newest grey nurse shark aggregations' in the winter months between July and October, according to Sunreef.
Sunreef describes the site as 14-22 m deep, with lovely boulders at the bottom and small swim-throughs to explore. It sits towards the outer edge of the reef, so it typically has better visibility year-round than the more inshore sites. The boulder field provides the gutters and shelter that grey nurse sharks favour, and in winter they hover in the gaps between the rocks. Summer brings wobbegongs back as the dominant shark.
The supporting cast is strong: large schools of surgeonfish, turtles, rays, cuttlefish, eels and tropical reef fish, and in the cooler months humpback whales can be seen – and heard – during the dive or on the surface interval.
Grey nurse sharks are critically endangered on Australia's east coast, and while Nurse Rock is not a declared protected area like Wolf Rock, the same code of conduct applies: stay close to the bottom, don't swim into gutters where sharks are resting, don't chase or touch them, and avoid blocking their path. The sharks are placid and will usually cruise close by if divers are calm.
With a maximum of 22 m, Nurse Rock suits Advanced divers, or Open Water divers staying at 18 m with a guide. Sunreef runs it as part of its core double-dive rotation.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Nurse Rock is recorded as Reef in Sunshine Coast. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Nurse 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 Nurse 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 (July-October), wobbegong sharks (summer), surgeonfish schools, turtles, rays, cuttlefish, moray eels, tropical reef fish, humpback whales (winter)
Location
Outer-edge site on the Gneering Shoals off Mooloolaba with boulders and small swim-throughs in 14-22 m; renamed from Wobby Rock after it became a winter grey nurse shark aggregation site (July-October).
Facilities nearby
Departure: The Wharf, Mooloolaba
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
sunreef.com.auscubadiverlife.comweekendnotes.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.