Meet the site
Sir Roderick Rocks is the most adventurous of the Gove sites listed by the Marine Life Network. A long boat ride is needed to reach it, and the reward is a spectacular set of granite rocks with caves and swim-throughs, plus a deep wreck of an intact trawler, with maximum depths of around 40 m.
The granite formations are a contrast to the limestone and coral reefs typical of the Top End. Rounded boulders and rock faces create gullies, overhangs and short swim-throughs that are coated with soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and hard coral, and the caves shelter cod, coral trout, sweetlips and crayfish. Out of the lee, pelagic fish such as trevally, mackerel and barracuda are likely, along with reef sharks and turtles.
The trawler wreck lies deep and is described as intact. Its name and history are not published; like other trawlers on Gove reefs it can be expected to host large gropers and schooling fish. At around 40 m it is a dive for experienced deep divers – within the limits of recreational training only on a short, carefully planned dive, and better suited to divers with decompression training.
The combination of remoteness, depth and granite topography makes Sir Roderick Rocks an expedition-style site rather than a routine dive. There is little published information beyond the Marine Life Network summary, and any trip should be planned with local knowledge. It suits advanced and technical divers who value rarely visited sites and are comfortable far from help. A calm forecast for the whole day is essential, because the return trip is long and the south-east trade wind can rise sharply by early afternoon.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sir Roderick Rocks is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in East Arnhem Land & Gove. 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 Sir Roderick Rocks 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 Sir Roderick Rocks 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
Gropers, coral trout, cod, sweetlips, crayfish, trevally, mackerel, barracuda, reef sharks, turtles, soft corals, sponges, gorgonians
Location
Remote granite rocks off the Gove coast, reached by a long boat ride, with caves, swim-throughs and a deep intact trawler wreck.
Facilities nearby
Gove Boat Club (Drimmie Head Road, Melville Bay) – boat ramp, bar, meals, moorings; fuel and supplies in Nhulunbuy. Air fills only through the local dive business (confirm availability) – serious divers bring or arrange compressor access.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.