Black Rocks is a renowned dive and snorkel site located roughly 2 km off the coast near South West Rocks on the NSW Mid-North Coast. Part of a cluster of rocky offshore reef sites including Fish Rock, Green Island, and Goal Reef, this exposed rocky outcrop rises from the surrounding seabed, attracting schools of baitfish, Grey Nurse Sharks, and turtles. The site sits within a Marine Park, offering clear oceanic waters, dramatic underwater topography, and the chance to see large pelagic species. Access is typically by boat — numerous local dive operators run trips to the site, making it a bucket-list spot for experienced snorkelers and divers alike.
Black Rocks
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.1 sWind Speed 7.8 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Black Rocks has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Strong ocean currents danger
Open-water offshore reef exposed to sweeping currents that can quickly carry swimmers away from the site.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Strong ocean currents
Open-water offshore reef exposed to sweeping currents that can quickly carry swimmers away from the site.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Popular dive site accessed by tour boats; surface traffic and boat ramps require vigilance.
Moderate risk: Deep water drops
The reef drops off into deep water, requiring good fitness and confidence in open ocean conditions.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Black Rocks lies approximately 2 km off Smoky Cape, near South West Rocks on the NSW Mid-North Coast. It is accessible only by boat — local dive operators (e.g. South West Rocks Dive Centre) run scheduled trips to the site. The nearest major town is Kempsey, with South West Rocks just off the Pacific Highway about 40 km northeast.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the South West Rocks boat ramp or at dive operator premises in town.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee, but a charter or boat fee applies. Typical snorkel/dive charters from South West Rocks start around $100–$150 per person.
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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