Black Rock Reef lies roughly 2–3 km offshore from Evans Head on the NSW North Coast, an exposed volcanic reef system where the seafloor drops in a series of rocky ledges, gutters and bommies draped in soft corals and sponges. This raw, frontier-like site offers exhilarating drift snorkeling over depths of 5–15 m in the shallower reef zones. On good days visibility reaches 15–25 m with water temps 18–26°C, revealing schools of kingfish, trevally and yellowtail scad sweeping past the rugged terrain. Known for bigger visitors — grey nurse sharks in winter/spring, leopard sharks, wobbegongs, green turtles, and occasional manta rays — this site delivers an untamed underwater spectacle well off the beaten path.
Black Rock Reef (Evans Head)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.7 sWind Speed 14 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Currents
Tidal and wind-driven currents can run strongly along the point, making this site best suited for experienced snorkelers with drift experience.
Moderate risk: Swell Exposure
Open to Pacific swells with highly variable conditions; visibility can drop to 5 m and surge can be strong.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The reef is accessed by boat and sits in an offshore fishing area — boat traffic can be a hazard, especially on weekends.
Low risk: Limited Visibility
Visibility is highly variable (5–25 m) and can drop suddenly after rain or swell events, making navigation difficult.
Low risk: Remote Offshore Location
Located several kilometres offshore with limited marine radio coverage and few charter operators — self-reliance is essential.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Black Rock Reef is an offshore reef located roughly 2–3 km east of Evans Head, NSW. Access is by private boat or local charter from Evans Head boat ramp. The reef lies off Black Reef Point. Limited dive/snorkel charter operators service the site — advance booking is essential.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Evans Head boat ramp precinct on Park Lane, Evans Head. Also available at Mibanbah – Black Rocks campground (Bundjalung National Park) about 20 km south via gravel road.
parkingboat_ramp
Boat ramp free. Park entry fees apply at Bundjalung National Park ($8/vehicle/day). Charter costs vary.
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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