Meet the site
South Rock is the deep, current-swept site of Norfolk's dive list. Oceanatik describes 'a beautiful rock pinnacle dropping to 40 meters of water' with strong currents and depth that make it 'an advanced level dive'. The Marine Life Network describes Phillip Island's diving as 15–40 m, with South Rock offering deep drop-offs.
Phillip Island lies about 6 km south of Norfolk and is a national park, famous for its eroded red and purple soils and recovering vegetation. Its surrounding waters take the full force of the ocean currents moving past the Norfolk Ridge, and a pinnacle in that flow gathers fish. Oceanatik records 'big and small marine fish in abundance' with black corals, hard and soft corals, anemones, sponges and sea fans on the rock.
The black coral is a sign of depth and current: these colonial animals grow where plankton-rich water flows past, usually below 20 m. Kingfish, trevally and Galapagos sharks are the likely larger fish, although the sources do not list species for this site.
This is a site for experienced divers with deep training who are comfortable with strong current and open-water ascents from a small boat. It is the longest run from Kingston Pier of the regular sites and is exposed to southerly swell, so it is dived only on calm days. Nitrox, if it can be arranged, is worth using on a profile like this. The exact position of the pinnacle is not published; the coordinates given are for Phillip Island's southern side and are approximate.
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 Rock (Phillip Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- 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 South Rock (Phillip Island) 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 South Rock (Phillip Island) 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
Black corals, sea fans, hard and soft corals, anemones, sponges; large and small reef and pelagic fish (kingfish, trevally, Galapagos sharks likely)
Location
A rock pinnacle off Phillip Island, about 6 km south of Norfolk, dropping to 40 m with strong currents.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Kingston 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.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.