Meet the site
Orchard Rocks is a pile of granite boulders about 200 m off the north-east coast of Magnetic Island, between Radical and Gowrie bays, and one of the island's few boat-only sites. The North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club describes depths of 13 m on the inside of the rocks increasing to about 15 m outside, and a structure of stacked boulders that forms swim-throughs on the northern side, with ledges and cracks throughout. Because it stands in open water off a headland, it attracts more fish than the island's bays: cod, coral trout, sweetlips, angelfish, batfish, drummer, fusiliers and small wrasse, with feather stars on the boulders and white and cream nudibranchs for macro divers. The swim-throughs between boulders are the highlight and are short, open and lit, though silt can be stirred up. Conditions dictate everything. The rocks are fully exposed to a typical south-easterly, current runs past them on the tide and visibility can drop low. The club recommends an early-morning high tide with only a slight southerly for slack water, and suggests marking the anchor with a glow stick or inflated SMB tied to a weight so divers can find the boat in poor visibility. On calm weekends fishermen crowd the rocks, and lines are a hazard. When Orchard Rocks is unsuitable, nearby Balding Bay's western wall is the usual fallback. For experienced island divers with a boat, it is the most structurally interesting site on Magnetic Island's north-east coast, and on a clear, still morning it can be excellent. It is not for novices in current or low visibility.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Orchard Rocks (Magnetic Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Townsville & Magnetic Island. 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.
- 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 Orchard Rocks (Magnetic Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Orchard Rocks (Magnetic Island) 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
Cod, coral trout, sweetlips, angelfish, batfish, drummer, fusiliers, small wrasse, feather stars, nudibranchs
Location
Cluster of boulders about 200 m offshore between Radical Bay and Gowrie Bay on the north-east of Magnetic Island.
Facilities nearby
Horseshoe Bay boat ramp, cafes and pub at Horseshoe 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
nquec.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
