Black Rock is an iconic offshore dive and snorkel site off Meringo on the NSW South Coast, within the Batemans Marine Park. This rocky reef drops dramatically from shallow ledges to depths of 15–20 metres, featuring a vertical wall, underwater caves, sandy gutters, and a famous swim-through arch called "The Arch." The site also boasts the "Bubble Cave" and deeper caverns where wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks often shelter. Known for consistently good visibility and abundant fish life including eastern blue devilfish and blue groper, Black Rock rewards those who explore its ledges, overhangs, and sponge-covered walls. Access is by boat only — there is no shore entry.
Black Rock (dive site)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 8.5 knPrecipitation 16 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can run strongly around the rock, especially on the northern side. Drift diving is common here.
Moderate risk: Depth hazards
Maximum depth reaches 19–20 metres off the wall, requiring good buoyancy control and dive qualifications.
Moderate risk: Ocean swells and surf
The rock headland can be exposed to ocean swells, creating strong surge conditions near the reef on high-energy days.
Moderate risk: Swell exposure
Best visited a couple of hours either side of low tide when the swell is not rough. Rough conditions make the rock crossing dangerous.
Moderate risk: Cave siltation
Caves and swim-throughs silt up very easily with careless finning, drastically reducing visibility.
Low risk: Silty caves
Underwater caves silt up very easily when disturbed, reducing visibility to near zero.
Low risk: Wobbegong sharks in caves
Wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks are frequently found resting inside caves and under ledges — do not disturb.
Low risk: Sharp reef and rock ledges
The basalt reef has sharp edges and ledges that can cause cuts and scrapes.
Low risk: Changing tides
Tidal flows around the headland can create unexpected currents, especially during outgoing tides.
Low risk: Sharp rock platform
Entry and exit areas feature rough, sharp volcanic rock that can easily cut bare feet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Black Rock is located roughly 2 km offshore from Meringo, NSW. Launch from Malua Bay boat ramp or Mosquito Bay. The rock lies off Meringo Beach and is visible from shore. There is no shore-entry access — a private or charter boat is required.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Mosquito Bay boat ramp carpark (George Bass Drive, Malua Bay) or Meringo Beach roadside parking.
toiletsparkingboat_ramp
No fees for the dive site itself. Batemans Marine Park sanctuary zone regulations apply — no fishing or collecting.
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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