Meet the site
Policemans Helmet lies between Duncombe Bay and Anson Point on Norfolk's north-west coast and is named for a distinct rock formation shaped like a British policeman's helmet. Oceanatik calls it an excellent wall dive, with numerous overhangs, a maximum depth of 18 m and rich corals and marine life, and rates it suitable for beginners.
The wall is the main feature, dropping from the base of the rock with overhangs along its length. Overhangs on Norfolk's volcanic walls are typically lined with sponges, soft corals and fans and shelter crayfish, morays, soldierfish and cardinalfish, while the open face attracts wrasse, drummer and sweep. Norfolk's reef fauna generally includes groper, morwong, rock cod and emperors, with kingfish and trevally passing along the wall.
The moderate depth and straightforward profile make it a good introduction to Norfolk's north-coast diving, and it pairs well with the arches nearby. The north-west coast is in the lee of the prevailing south-east trades and is often calm when the south coast is rough, but it is exposed to northerly and north-westerly swell, which makes the overhangs surgy.
The site is dived by boat, usually from Cascade Pier, with a run along the north coast of roughly 20 minutes. Oceanatik lists no species specifically, so the fauna described here is general. Coordinates are approximate. It suits Open Water divers and anyone who likes a relaxed wall dive with plenty of places to look. Take a torch to see colour under the overhangs, and combine it with Cooks Arch or Duncombe Bay for a two-dive trip along the north coast.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Policemans Helmet is recorded as Wall in Norfolk 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Policemans Helmet 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 Policemans Helmet 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
Corals, sponges, fans, crayfish, morays, soldierfish, wrasse, drummer, sweep, groper, morwong, rock cod, kingfish (general north-coast fauna)
Location
A distinctive helmet-shaped rock between Duncombe Bay and Anson Point on the north-west coast, with a wall and overhangs to 18 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Cascade Pier (crane launch).
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
oceanatik.comoceanatik.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.