www.qld.gov.au · Official
Queensland guidance on grey nurse shark protection and diver interactions.
Dive Spot Guide•
Nurse Rock
Twin-rock Sunshine Coast reef with swim-throughs and winter sharks.
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Local operator required
Most divers visit Nurse Rock on local reef charters departing from The Wharf at Mooloolaba.
Short-run boat dive off Mooloolaba with boulders, narrow tunnels, and outer-reef exposure, usually planned around sea state and diver comfort with overhead features.
About Nurse Rock
Nurse Rock is a Sunshine Coast outer-reef site formed by two large rock stacks split by a fish-filled canyon, with a pair of tight swim-throughs at the base adding the site's signature feature. It is dived for rocky structure, resident cod, wobbegongs, eels, rays, and the seasonal arrival of grey nurse sharks in winter, making it one of Mooloolaba's more memorable local reef options.
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Research Estimate At Nurse Rock
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 11m
AccessSimple entry
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Where Is Nurse Rock?
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Community sourced coordinates.
Nurse Rock Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
14m - 22m
Depth Note
Published site guidance places the boulder reef and swim-through zone roughly in the 14 to 22 metre range.
Best Season
Winter (for grey nurse sharks)
Typical Conditions
Outer-reef rocky site with twin rock structures, baitfish in the central split, and conditions that can feel more exposed than inshore reefs even on short boat rides.
Safety & Access At Nurse Rock
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environmentDangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Includes tight swim-through tunnels; ensure appropriate training and comfort with overhead environments. Grey nurse sharks may be encountered in winter.
Access Restrictions
Access is by charter boat from Mooloolaba and the site is only dived when sea conditions are suitable for the outer local reefs.
Legal Notes
Grey nurse sharks are protected in Queensland waters, so divers should follow briefings carefully, avoid harassing wildlife, and respect all local marine-life rules.
Local Intel For Nurse Rock
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Two tight swim-through tunnels at the base of the rocks create an overhead-style passage.
Freediving
Freedivers with boat support can enjoy the rock split and upper structure in calm conditions, but the site's main appeal is still scuba exploration of the deeper boulders and tunnels.
Snorkeling
Nurse Rock is not a typical casual snorkel site because it is reached by boat and the main features sit below the surface around a more exposed outer reef.
Wildlife at Nurse Rock
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Nurse Rock
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Nurse Rock
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility11m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
