Meet the site
South Gorge is North Stradbroke Island's only shore dive on the ocean coast, entered from the beach on the southern side of Point Lookout's main headland. marinelife.org.au calls it a challenging dive involving a long surface swim, and Manta Lodge restricts it to advanced divers because of the surf entry, strong currents and waves. On a calm day, though, it rewards the effort. After the surface swim, divers descend at the base of the headland's cliffs and follow an underwater wall that leads to Whale Rock, in depths of 5-15 m. The rock is covered in hard and soft corals and home to tropical fish, nudibranchs and crustaceans. Larger animals are common for a shore dive: bull rays and eagle rays, turtles, wobbegong and leopard sharks, and between November and April manta rays, which frequent the waters off Point Lookout. The headland above is the famous North Gorge walk, where visitors watch turtles, rays, dolphins and whales from the clifftops; South Gorge gives divers a view of the same coast from below. The dive is entirely condition-dependent. It should only be attempted when the sea is almost flat, typically on a winter morning after westerly winds, and divers must be confident with surf entries and exits and able to handle current along an exposed cliff. Local advice from Manta Lodge is strongly recommended. For experienced shore divers, it is one of the most scenic and wild shore dives in Queensland. Divers should also carry a surface marker, as boats and jet skis round the headland.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Gorge (Point Lookout) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in North Stradbroke Island. The listed access is shore. 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.
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 South Gorge (Point Lookout) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 South Gorge (Point Lookout) 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
Hard and soft corals, tropical fish, nudibranchs, crustaceans, bull rays, eagle rays, turtles, wobbegongs, leopard sharks, manta rays (November-April)
Location
Advanced shore dive from the beach on the southern side of Point Lookout's main headland, following the cliff-bottom wall towards Whale Rock.
Facilities nearby
Point Lookout parking, toilets and cafes near the headland; Manta Lodge for air and advice.
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
mantalodge.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.