Meet the site
Pro Dive describes Phillip Rock in a single, emphatic line: a pinnacle that 'rises directly from the bottom in 37 metres to within 2 metres of the surface', with large schools of kingfish and trevally, and 'a breathtaking dive'. It belongs to the stretch of coast between North Head and Fishy Point, which Pro Dive groups together as the North Head to Fishy Point dive area with depths from 2 to 37 m, volcanic rock formations and ocean caves.
A pinnacle with that much vertical relief works like a fish magnet. The upper sections are washed by current and swell and attract the schooling fish; kingfish at Lord Howe grow large because the whole island is a marine park, and Pro Dive notes large schools of trevally as well. The flanks are volcanic rock covered in encrusting corals, and the deeper sections drop into the 30s, where the rock is more sparsely covered and the chance of pelagic visitors increases.
The beauty of the site is its flexibility. Divers can spend the dive between 15 and 25 m circling the pinnacle, or advanced divers can drop deeper, and everyone finishes with a relaxed safety stop on the top, which comes to within 2 m of the surface. That shallow top also means the site can be rough in swell.
The north coast is sheltered from the prevailing south-east trades, so Phillip Rock is dived in most weather except northerlies. It suits Advanced divers best because of the depth available, but Open Water divers can do the upper half with a guide. Its exact position and the current operator's use of it should be confirmed with Dive Lord Howe.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Phillip Rock is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Phillip Rock suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Phillip 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
Kingfish (large schools), trevally schools, encrusting corals, reef fish
Location
A pinnacle on the north coast between North Head and Fishy Point that rises from 37 m to within 2 m of the surface.
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
prodive.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.