Ladies Reef is a hidden gem off the headland in front of South West Rocks township on the mid-north coast of NSW. This small but prolific reef rises only 2 m above the sandy seafloor at around 11 m depth, accessed by swimming 200 m from Main Beach past Stingray Rock. The reef is carpeted with soft and hard corals and teems with schools of bream, yellowtail, silver sweep, trevally, luderick, and tiny red morwong. Resident bullrays and eagle rays with strikingly long tails patrol the sandy patches, while decorator crabs, nudibranchs, and colourful shellfish hide among the coral and sponges. Sheltered from southerly winds and seas, it is a delightful shore-entry snorkel and a surprisingly good night dive.
Lady Reef (Ladies Reef)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 7.3 sWind Speed 12 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Ocean swells and surge
Exposed rocky reef can experience significant ocean swell and water surge, especially in easterly or southerly conditions, making entry and exit challenging.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can run strongly around the reef structure, particularly on dropping tides.
Low risk: Offshore location
Located approximately 2 km offshore, requiring boat access and awareness of prevailing conditions for safe return.
Low risk: Sharp reef rock
The reef is composed of rough sandstone and rock formations with sharp edges that can cause cuts and abrasions.
Low risk: Ocean swells
Swells can create moderate surge and wave action on the entry beach, making shore exits more challenging. Best attempted in calm conditions.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Tidal flow across the reef can create a noticeable current that may push snorkelers away from Stingray Rock on the return swim.
Low risk: Depth and navigation
The reef lies 200 m offshore at up to 11 m depth, requiring competent swimming and navigational awareness to locate the small reef on open sand.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located off Main Beach immediately east of the headland in front of South West Rocks township. Park near the South West Rocks Surf Club or the headland car park east of Horseshoe Bay. Walk to the small beach between the headland and the large boulders (Main Beach). Swim out 110 m past Stingray Rock, then head due north another 100 m to reach the reef.
Parking & facilities
Available in the carpark next to South West Rocks Surf Club or the headland car park east of Horseshoe Bay.
parkingtoiletsshowers
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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