Black Rock is a submerged rocky reef system rising from the ocean floor roughly 2 km off Smoky Cape near South West Rocks. This exposed offshore site features boulder-strewn terrain, swim-throughs, and ledges draped in colourful sponge gardens and soft corals. The nutrient-rich currents attract large pelagics and schooling fish, making it a thrilling destination for experienced snorkelers and divers alike. Visibility is often excellent, and the rugged underwater topography rewards exploration around every crevice and overhang.
Black Rock
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 7.3 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Black Rock has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Tidal current danger
Strong tidal currents sweep around the reef platform and can quickly carry swimmers offshore.
- Remote offshore location danger
Located 2 km offshore — no immediate shore access. Requires boat support and safety equipment.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Tidal current
Strong tidal currents sweep around the reef platform and can quickly carry swimmers offshore.
High risk: Remote offshore location
Located 2 km offshore — no immediate shore access. Requires boat support and safety equipment.
Moderate risk: Ocean swell and wind chop
Open ocean swells and choppy conditions can develop rapidly, especially on exposed southern and eastern sides.
Moderate risk: Cold water temperature
Water temperatures can drop as low as 14°C in winter, increasing the risk of cold-water exhaustion.
Low risk: Large shark presence
Occasional sightings of white pointer and other large sharks in the area; grey nurse sharks are common.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Located approximately 2 km off Smoky Cape, south-east of South West Rocks on the NSW Mid-North Coast. Accessible by boat only — launch from the boat ramp at South West Rocks or arrange a charter with local dive operators.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the South West Rocks boat ramp area and at Smoky Cape Lookout carpark.
No entry fee; charter boat fees apply if booking with a local operator.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports