Cherubs Cave is an iconic dive and snorkel site off the wild eastern side of Moreton Island, about 4.1 km offshore near Henderson Rock. This large, circular cave roughly 20 by 15 metres features six exits, creating a choose-your-own-adventure swim-through honeycombed with rocky gullies, smaller caves, and overhangs. Named for a small concrete cherub statue that once marked its entrance, the cave is surrounded by clear ocean waters attracting kingfish, trevally, turtles, wobbegong sharks, and massive gropers. The dramatic rock formations and abundant pelagic life make it one of the Gold Coast & Brisbane region's most thrilling underwater adventures.
Cherubs Cave
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Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 6.7 sWind Speed 2.4 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Cherubs Cave has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth and overhead cave environment danger
The site ranges from 14 m to 30 m depth with a cave swim-through — overhead rock means snorkelers must be comfortable with deeper water and potential entrapment risks.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Depth and overhead cave environment
The site ranges from 14 m to 30 m depth with a cave swim-through — overhead rock means snorkelers must be comfortable with deeper water and potential entrapment risks.
Moderate risk: Strong offshore currents
Eastern Moreton Island is exposed to ocean currents and swell that can create powerful, unpredictable currents around the cave entrance and exits.
Moderate risk: Exposed ocean swell
The eastern side of Moreton Island is open to the Pacific Ocean and can experience strong swell, wind chop, and rapidly changing sea states.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The site is accessed by boat from Moreton Island or Brisbane and is a popular dive spot, so boat traffic in the vicinity requires caution.
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Getting in
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Entry
Cherubs Cave is located approximately 4.1 km off the eastern side of Moreton Island, near Henderson Rock. Boat access is from Brisbane River, Manly Boat Harbour, or from Moreton Island's eastern beaches. It is roughly a 30-45 minute boat ride from the mainland. The site is a known GPS mark for local dive charter operators.
Parking & facilities
Park at Manly Boat Harbour, Cleveland, or other Brisbane launch points if using a private boat. Day parking fees may apply at marina car parks.
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Dive charter prices start from around $399 per person for a day trip. Private boat access requires suitable vessel and marine park permits.
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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