South West Rocks Dive Centre

Located on Gregory Street in South West Rocks, this family-operated centre is a staple of the local diving community. It is positioned roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it a convenient hub for divers travelling the East Coast of Australia.

With more than 40 years of experience, the centre has established itself as the primary gateway to the area's most iconic sites. They specialise in trips to the unique oceanic cave systems found just south-east of Smoky Cape.

The centre is run by a dedicated family team with decades of local knowledge. They offer a professional environment for both local club members, such as those in The Hairy Lobster Dive Club, and visiting divers.

Instruction and guiding are handled by qualified professionals, ensuring a low diver-to-guide ratio on every boat. Whether you are completing your first certification or heading out for advanced training, you will be supported by experienced staff.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum for all levels, from Open Water Diver through to Advanced Open Water Diver. They also provide Nitrox training to extend your bottom times.

For those looking to professionalise their skills, Divemaster courses are available. Additional specialty courses and First Aid Training are also offered on-site.

The fleet consists of three specialised, inspected vessels designed for stability and diver comfort. The Orca 111 is a 9m Oceaneer Custom monohull with twin 250hp Yamaha engines, carrying up to 14 people with a ratio of 10 divers to 3 dive masters.

The Viper is an 8m Oceaneer Custom with twin 200hp Yamaha engines, accommodating 9 divers with 3 dive masters. The Fish Rocket is a 7.5m Orca build powered by twin 150hp Yamaha engines, carrying 8 divers with 2 dive masters.

All vessels are equipped to handle daily trips and include storage for your dive kit, photography equipment, and drysuits. Nitrox is available on board for your dives.

The centre provides a full range of equipment hire, including an option to upgrade to premium Atomic Aquatics kit. For those needing specific items, they offer fins, masks, snorkels, boots, and wetsuits.

On-site, you will find high-capacity 100cf and 120cf steel cylinders. Nitrox is provided as part of the dive tours. The facility also includes an accredited equipment repair service for your own gear.

The area is renowned for its encounters with Grey Nurse Sharks. During the season from October to January, you may also see Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna) patrolling the area.

In the rock formations and crevices, you will find a variety of species including Moray eels (Muraenidae), Octopus (Octopoda), and various Wrasse (Labridae). You may also spot Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae), Batfish (Platax), and various species of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani).

Other residents include various rays, including Stingrays (Myliobatiformes), and various types of sharks such as Port Jackson sharks. You will also find a variety of reef fish, including Breams, Wrasses, and various species of Grouper.

Diving in this region involves navigating the unique topography of the Fish Rock cave system. The boats are selected specifically to provide a stable platform for these outings.