Meet the site
Outer Rock is the largest of the isolated rocks on the north-eastern edge of Keppel Bay and a scenic trip even above water, with seabirds on the rock and humpback whales passing in winter. Underwater it offers a sheltered bay where boats can anchor, and from there divers explore gutters, boulders and coral gardens down to about 18 m. The rock is well covered with hard and soft corals, ascidians and gorgonians. Maori wrasse are a feature, along with painted crayfish in the gutters, olive sea snakes, and green and loggerhead turtles. Being further out, the site draws pelagic fish, and divers report rays and reef sharks, with anemonefish and pipefish for those looking closer. The layout makes navigation straightforward: follow the base of the rock one way and return shallower. Depths are moderate and the bay is protected, so the dive suits Open Water divers who are comfortable with a longer boat ride. Outer Rock is often paired with Man & Wife Rocks, which lie between it and Great Keppel. It is less dramatic than Egg Rock but more consistent, and on a clear winter day, with whales audible underwater, it is one of the most memorable dives in the Keppels. Outer Rock should not be confused with the other Outer Rock off Bustard Head, south of Gladstone, which is a separate and much more exposed site. In the Keppels it is simply the furthest of the rocks on the north-eastern side of the bay. The island's seabirds nest on the rock, so boats stay well clear of the top and the dive begins in the anchoring bay. On calm days a second dive is often made at Man & Wife Rocks on the way back to Great Keppel.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Outer Rock (Keppels) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Capricorn Coast & Keppel Islands. 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.
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 Outer Rock (Keppels) 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 Outer Rock (Keppels) 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
Maori wrasse, painted crayfish, olive sea snakes, green and loggerhead turtles, pelagic fish, rays, reef sharks, anemonefish, pipefish, ascidians, gorgonians, hard and soft corals
Location
A large isolated rock about 8 nautical miles north-east of Great Keppel Island, with gutters and coral gardens in a sheltered bay where boats can anchor.
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.auyeppooncapricorncoast.com.auemptynestdiver.commyfavouriteescapes.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.