Site profile with the overhang, coral, nudibranchs, reef fish, maximum depth, and Mooloolaba Wharf access.
Australia · Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba)
Colorful outer reef overhang with coral and fish.
Colorful outer reef overhang with coral and fish.
Hanging Rock is an offshore Outer Gneerings reef ledge with a large rocky overhang, colourful coral, and the kind of structure that keeps every pass interesting. It suits boat divers who like a roomy reef with cave-like sections, plenty of small life, and a profile that reads best when the swell is calm and the water is clear. The site has a strong photo-diving reputation, but its real draw is the mix of coral, ledges, and critters spread across the overhang and gutters.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
Use overhead-environment care around the overhang and swim-throughs, and give the reef time to settle on calmer swell days.
Access Restrictions
Boat access through Mooloolaba Wharf operators, with the best runs on lower-swell days.
Legal Notes
Standard boat-dive and reef-safety rules apply offshore, so check conditions before heading out.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The overhang and sandy trench provide a photographic focus and sheltering crevasses to explore.
Freediving
Only a very conservative freedive option in the shallower ledge sections; the site is primarily a boat dive with overhead features.
Snorkeling
Snorkellers can use the shallower edges, but the main features sit best with scuba and careful buoyancy.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Site profile with the overhang, coral, nudibranchs, reef fish, maximum depth, and Mooloolaba Wharf access.
Local feature noting Hanging Rock as one of the main Mooloolaba sites visited almost daily.
Regional dive guide with the 10-18m ledge, marine life list, and seasonal visibility figures.
Sunshine Coast diving page that places Hanging Rock among the region's popular reef dives.

Soup Kitchen is a cave dive with boat access.

Mooloolaba reef dive with coral pockets and macro life.