When To Go · Destination Guide

South West Rocks

Shark and cave diving at Fish Rock, with national parks on your doorstep

Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 16 sources

When to go

Best time to visit South West Rocks

South West Rocks is a yearround destination, but conditions swing with swell, rain, and the East Australian Current.

Best overall window

Milder air, more consistent diving schedules, and peak wildlife watching. Cooler water 18°C to 22°C.

Outside that window

Warmest water 24°C to 26°C, but higher chance of rain and stormy surf. Build buffer days.

Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.

The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.

BestGoodTradeoffsMore variable

Scope	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Overall	Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs	Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs	Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs	Overall - Apr: Tradeoffs	Overall - May: Best	Overall - Jun: Best	Overall - Jul: Best	Overall - Aug: Best	Overall - Sep: Best	Overall - Oct: Best	Overall - Nov: Best	Overall - Dec: Good

These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.

Grey nurse shark peak numbers
Best for Scuba, Freedive
May to Dec
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fish Rock is a wellknown grey nurse shark location.
Hammerhead season
Best for Scuba, Freedive
Oct to Jan
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Schools of hammerhead sharks are most commonly reported from October to January around Fish Rock, especially on deeper, currentinfluenced sites.
Humpback whale migration
Best for Topside, Scuba, Snorkel
May to Nov
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Whales migrate along the NSW coast from late autumn through spring.
Leopard sharks in warmer months
Best for Scuba
Feb to Apr
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
When grey nurse numbers can be lower in late summer, operators often note increased sightings of leopard sharks (zebra sharks) around Fish Rock.
Sculpture in the Gaol
Best for Topside
Aug to Sep
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Trial Bay hosts an annual Sculpture in the Gaol event during August and September, adding an easy topside anchor to a winter dive trip.
Spring wildflowers and birdlife
Best for Topside
Sep to Nov
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Spring brings wildflower displays in nearby national parks and better conditions for coastal walks between dive days.

March is commonly one of the wettest months locally, while September is often drier.

Dec: Start of summer warmth and holiday energy. Water often 24°C+, but book early for peak dates.
Jan to Apr: Warmest water 24°C to 26°C, but higher chance of rain and stormy surf. Build buffer days.

Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.