Outer Rock is a remote outer-shelf reef site on the Great Barrier Reef, accessed from the Daintree Coast near Cape Tribulation. This pristine coral bommie rises from the deep blue, surrounded by vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. With visibility often exceeding 20 metres, snorkellers drift over staghorn, brain, and plate coral formations while reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally reef sharks cruise the drop-offs. The journey itself is part of the adventure — a thrilling 25-minute ride through the reef channel from Cape Tribulation, one of the few places where ancient rainforest meets the world's largest reef system.
Outer Rock
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 4.0 sWind Speed 6.0 knPrecipitation 14 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Marine Stingers
Stinger season brings potentially dangerous marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) to north Queensland waters.
Low risk: Tidal Currents
Strong tidal flows can occur around the outer reef bommies, particularly during spring tides. Snorkellers should stay close to the group and follow guide instructions.
Low risk: Ocean Swell & Wind
The outer reef is exposed to ocean swell and winds. Conditions can change rapidly, especially during the wet season (November to April).
Low risk: Sharp Coral
Sharp coral formations are present throughout the reef. Snorkellers should avoid touching the coral to prevent injury and protect the reef.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Outer Rock is located off the coast near Cape Tribulation in the Daintree region. Access is by boat tour only, departing from Cape Tribulation or Port Douglas. Tours such as Ocean Safari run 25-minute rides from the Daintree Coast to outer reef sites.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cape Tribulation or Port Douglas tour departure points. Tour operators provide transport from Cairns to the departure point in many cases.
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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