Dive Site: Pimpernel Rock

About Pimpernel Rock

Pimpernel Rock stands as a premier offshore dive site, situated about seven kilometers from the coastline within the Yuragyir National Park, off the coast of Sandon Point in New South Wales. This isolated location means it is weather-dependent and typically accessed via Wooli or Coffs Harbour. The site is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, an area where warm northern waters meet cooler southern currents, fostering a unique blend of tropical and sub-tropical marine life and coral. The topography of Pimpernel Rock is dominated by a U-shaped rock pinnacle that rises dramatically from depths exceeding 40 meters to less than 10 meters at its shallowest point. It features three main summits, with the primary one located at the base of the 'U' and two others peaking between 15 to 20 meters. A distinctive tunnel runs through the bottom of the 'U', complemented by a smaller side tunnel, providing an exciting overhead environment for exploration. Divers can expect exceptional aquatic life, including grey nurse sharks that often frequent the tunnels and surrounding areas. The rock itself is adorned with a rich tapestry of gorgonians, corals, sponges, and sea whips, many hosting wandering anemones. Pelagic species such as trevally, kingfish, tuna, and jewfish are commonly sighted, alongside typical tropical species found throughout the Solitary Islands. The dive at Pimpernel Rock demands careful planning due to potential strong currents and its deep, open-ocean nature. Visibility is often excellent, typically exceeding 25 meters, enhancing the experience of exploring its intricate rock formations and abundant marine ecosystems. It offers a short but memorable dive profile for those prepared for its challenging conditions.

Dive site facts: Pimpernel Rock

Depth

10–45 m

Typical dive

15–30 m, 30–45 min (variable based on depth & current)

Current

Strong

Visibility

25 m+

Water temperature

14–26°C

Entry

Boat / negative entry often required

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Pinnacle, cave/tunnel, reef, pelagic

Region / port

Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW

Coordinates

32.4833° S, 152.5167° E

Conditions & Currents

Pimpernel Rock is an exposed open ocean site, and as such, it can be subject to significant currents. The East Australian Current (EAC) often influences the area, typically flowing from north to south around the rock, which can make the start of the dive challenging. Strong currents necessitate careful dive planning and may require a negative entry. Divers must be proficient in deploying a DSMB and managing potential drift. Once underwater and close to the rock, some shelter from the strongest flow can be found. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 25 meters, but strong currents can sometimes affect it. This site is suitable only for experienced divers who are fit enough to handle swimming in current, given its depth and the dynamic conditions.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grey Nurse Shark

May-November (frequent, year-round possible) · common

Giant Trevally

common

Yellowtail Kingfish

common

Jewfish

common

Tuna

occasional

Crayfish

common

Firefish

occasional

Wobbegong

occasional

Bull Ray

occasional

Eagle Ray

occasional

Moray Eel

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Tropical fish species

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Pimpernel Rock typically begins with a descent along the anchor line, often requiring a negative entry due to currents. Divers drop to the shallowest part of the rock, then continue down the wall towards the sand at 40 meters. The main tunnel entrance, situated on the northern side, is found around 27 meters, with the top of the tunnel reaching 25-27 meters and the sand floor inside at 40 meters. Before entering, take a moment to observe the area for grey nurse sharks often patrolling outside. Swim through the main tunnel, exploring its sides and roof for hidden marine life like crayfish and firefish. Upon exiting the tunnel, the dive progresses by gradually ascending around the rock in a spiral pattern. This method allows divers to explore the gorgonians, corals, and sponge gardens covering the pinnacle, ensuring a safe ascent profile. Keep an eye out for schooling pelagics and make detours to the other two summits of the U-shaped rock formation when at appropriate depths. The safety stop is conducted during the final ascent, allowing time to decompress while observing the shallower parts of the rock.

Underwater photography

Pimpernel Rock presents exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, capture the dramatic U-shaped rock structure, the vast tunnel swim-throughs, and the impressive schools of pelagic fish and grey nurse sharks. A fisheye lens or a wide rectilinear lens (14-24mm equivalent) is ideal. Consider external strobes to illuminate the tunnel interiors and bring out the vibrant colors of gorgonians and sponges covering the rock. When photographing grey nurse sharks, approach slowly and maintain respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. For macro enthusiasts, the extensive sponge gardens and coral formations offer numerous subjects such as nudibranchs, smaller crustaceans, and anemones. A 60mm or 100/105mm macro lens will capture intricate details. Due to potential currents, strong buoyancy control is crucial to stabilize your position and prevent contact with the delicate reef. Pay attention to ambient light for tunnel photography, as it can be dim.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Manta Arch

  A shark dive near South Solitary Island, famous for Grey Nurse Sharks.

• Fish Soup

  Off North Solitary Island, known for dense fish life.

• Anenome Bay

  Off North Solitary Island, with abundant anemones.

Getting there & logistics

Pimpernel Rock is accessible from Coffs Harbour, the gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, or more directly from Wooli. Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbour and Wooli Dive Centre offer charter boats to the site. From Coffs Harbour, the boat journey to South Solitary Island is 30-40 minutes, and Pimpernel Rock is further north, requiring a longer trip. From Wooli, it is approximately 27 kilometers, and from Sandon Point, about 7.4 kilometers. Dive operators usually plan trips based on favorable current windows due to the site's exposed nature. Divers should inquire about specific trip durations, as it's an advanced, offshore dive often requiring specific conditions. No specific permit fees for divers are mentioned beyond standard dive charter costs, but the site is within the Solitary Islands Marine Park, subject to its regulations and a grey nurse shark code of conduct.

Safety & environment

Diving Pimpernel Rock demands significant experience due to its deep profile, overhead environment (tunnels), and the potential for strong currents. Divers must be Sports Diver equivalent or higher, carry at least one DSMB with a reel/spool, and be proficient in its deployment. It's crucial to stay within certification limits and plan for no-decompression limits, especially given the depths involved (up to 40 meters at the sand). While ascending, a spiral around the rock can assist with gradual decompression. The nearest recompression chamber is likely in a major city like Sydney or Brisbane, necessitating robust evacuation plans in case of emergency. Divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Always follow the dive operator's briefing, especially regarding current, entry techniques, and the grey nurse shark code of conduct, as this site is within a National Park Zone.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pimpernel Rock FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pimpernel Rock

These liveaboards may visit Pimpernel Rock on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$406/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day