About North Rock
North Rock is a premier dive site located off Broughton Island, approximately 20 kilometers north of Port Stephens in New South Wales, Australia. This protected area within the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park is celebrated for its healthy marine ecosystems and significant biodiversity, making it a crown jewel among Australia's accessible diving destinations. The underwater topography combines kelpy bommies, distinct rocky ledges, and sandy gutters, creating varied habitats. While the rock appears unremarkable above the water, below the surface, depths range from 5 meters at the top to a median of 14 meters, extending down to 16 meters. This structure offers numerous vantage points for divers to observe marine life. The site is home to a rich variety of marine species, with 12 documented species observations, including numerous nudibranchs. A major highlight is the aggregation of over 30 grey nurse sharks, which find shelter in the natural, cliff-like rock formations. Divers can also encounter Port Jackson sharks and a wide array of other critters thriving within and above the kelp beds. This rich marine life is present year-round, although specific seasonal events can enhance encounters. North Rock is well-suited for beginner divers and offers shore entry options, making it family-friendly. It is a year-round diving location, often dived from Port Stephens. Divers can expect a relatively easy and rewarding experience, exploring the unique underwater landscape and its resident marine inhabitants.
Highlights
Grey nurse shark aggregationPort Jackson sharksKelp-covered bommiesRocky ledges and sandy guttersDiverse nudibranch speciesPort Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park
Best Season
North Rock is suitable for diving year-round. While diving is possible throughout the year, seasonal swells and water clarity can vary.
Dive site facts: North Rock
- Depth
- 5–16 m
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Australia
- Coordinates
- 28.6000° S, 153.6180° E
Conditions & Currents
Currents at North Rock are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, however, the site is generally considered beginner-friendly, suggesting conditions are manageable. Visibility can experience seasonal swings, though specific data is not published. As the site is within a marine park, divers should confirm current regulations and conditions with local authorities before planning trips. The year-round viability and beginner difficulty level imply a relatively stable and accessible diving environment.
Why dive North Rock from a liveaboard?
North Rock is one of Australia's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include North Rock on their Australia itineraries.
Liveaboards diving North Rock
These liveaboards may visit North Rock on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Spoilsport
Australia
28 guests30 m
$408/day
Odyssey Liveaboard
Australia
20 guests24 m
$392/day
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