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Fish Rock Cave (Fish Rock Island)

AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE

Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.

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Wave Height 0.8 mSwell Period 7.3 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood

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The spot

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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

Fish Rock Cave is Australia's only true ocean-cave snorkel/dive site — a 125-metre tunnel punched straight through a tiny isolated island 2 km off Smoky Cape, South West Rocks. Enter through the deep entrance at 24 m and ascend through vertical chimneys lit only by torchlight, emerging into a dazzling shallow blue cathedral where thousands of bullseyes swirl beneath a sunlit arch. Grey nurse sharks cruise the gutters year-round, wobbegongs blanket the floor, and giant cuttlefish, painted crayfish, and green turtles haunt the walls. The mix of temperate and tropical species here is extraordinary thanks to the adjacent continental shelf.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • High risk: Cave overhead environment

    The 125 m tunnel has zero natural light in sections — requires torch, good buoyancy control, and cave-diving awareness. Not for claustrophobic snorkelers.

  • Moderate risk: Ocean currents

    Strong north-to-south currents can sweep around Fish Rock, making drift conditions possible. Colorado Pass is only diveable in slack current.

  • Moderate risk: Depth hazards

    Cave entrance at 24 m depth with enclosed chimney ascents — strict depth management needed. Snorkeling is limited to the shallow exit zone (~12 m).

  • Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents

    The Pinnacle lies in the path of the prevailing north-to-south current. Currents can be strong and changeable, making this a drift snorkel site at times. Only snorkel in calm conditions.

  • Moderate risk: Exposed offshore location

    Fish Rock is 2 km offshore with no sheltered shore access. Swell, wind, and sea conditions can change rapidly. Boat access only.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic

    The site is accessed by boat 2 km offshore; snorkelers must be aware of dive boats and vessel movements around the island.

  • Low risk: Deep water adjacent to reef

    The Pinnacle rises from 30–35 m depths. Snorkelers must be comfortable over deep water with significant drop-offs close to the reef top.

  • Low risk: Marine wildlife encounters

    Grey Nurse Sharks, large wobbegongs, bull rays, and stingrays are frequently present. While generally non-aggressive, their size demands respectful distance.

Wildlife Guide

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Getting in

Boat
Entry

Fish Rock lies 2 km off Smoky Cape, South West Rocks, on the NSW Mid North Coast. Drive 5 hours north of Sydney or 1 hour south of Coffs Harbour to South West Rocks. Launch or join a tour from the South West Rocks marina. The site is only accessible by boat — no shore entry.

Parking & facilities

Parking available at South West Rocks marina and nearby street parking in the town centre.

parkingtoilets

No direct fee for the site, but boat charter/dive shop fees apply. Fish Rock Dive Centre and South West Rocks Dive Centre run daily trips.

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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