The South West Rocks Dive Centre, located in Kempsey Shire Council, is a renowned sports club that has been leading dives to Fish Rock for over 40 years. As a family-owned and operated business, they pride themselves on offering the best diving experience in Australia with their highly experienced dive staff.
The highlight of diving at South West Rocks is the opportunity to see Hammerhead Sharks from October to January. This incredible sighting is a testament to the unique ecosystem found at Fish Rock, which is home to a variety of marine life. In fact, Fish Rock is rated among the top 5 dive sites in Australia.
The South West Rocks Dive Centre's expertise and exceptional diving experience have gained recognition on various platforms. The club was featured on Channel Ten's “The Living Room” with Dr. Chris Brown, known as The Bondi Vet.
To book a dive with the South West Rocks Dive Centre, there are several convenient options. You can call their dive shop directly or contact them via email. If you prefer to book online, it is recommended to call or email first to ensure availability and suitable weather conditions.
Dive Tours are run daily to Fish Rock, providing divers with the best conditions and the largest variety of marine life in the area. Guided double dives are the norm, with the first dive taking place at either “The Shark Gutters,” “Fish & Chips,” or “The Aquarium” depending on the conditions. These dives typically offer sightings of 20-30 Grey Nurse Sharks and a multitude of other species.
The second dive site is usually the famous “Fish Rock Cave. ” Divers have the option to explore the deep side and exit the shallow side of the cave or enter the shallow side and turn around at their comfort level. When conditions are not suitable for diving the cave, an alternative dive site is chosen.
For divers doing multiple days of diving, the South West Rocks Dive Centre tries to vary the sites and, if conditions allow, explores sites on the northern side of Fish Rock, such as “The Pinnacle” and “Land of the Giants.
Dive tours start by meeting at the dive shop to set up equipment at 7:45 am, although the meeting time may vary depending on weather conditions. Once the gear is ready, divers gather at the Macleay River wharf to board the boat. The double dive tour typically lasts around 5. 5 hours.
After the tour, equipment can be returned to the shop, where washing and drying facilities are available. Divers are welcome to use the showers and fill out their dive log.
To participate in the dives, divers must have an Open Water Certification or higher, and a copy of their certification must be presented prior to diving. Participants are expected to be confident and capable divers, able to dive within their comfort level.
The South West Rocks Dive Centre strives to provide an unparalleled diving experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Fish Rock and its surrounding waters. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction have made them a leading diving destination in Australia.