Map location of Nurse Rock

Nurse Rock

Twin-rock Sunshine Coast reef with swim-throughs and winter sharks.

ScubaBoat EntryIntermediate
Pinnacle
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
Marine LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities

Where Is Nurse Rock?

Map location of Nurse Rock
This spotNearby spots
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

Two tight swim-through tunnels at the base of the rocks create an overhead-style passage.

Freedive

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.

Snorkel

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.

Nurse Rock Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Nurse Rock.

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Exposure Profile at Nurse Rock

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

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.

No Dive Logs Yet

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Dive Spot Log Averages At Nurse Rock

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

Conditions
Avg. Visibility11m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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Nurse Rock Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

Nurse Rock Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

divechamp.com ยท Dive Directory

Independent site summary with terrain, marine life, and an explicit visibility figure.

www.qld.gov.au ยท Official

Queensland guidance on grey nurse shark protection and diver interactions.

www.sunreef.com.au ยท Operator

Primary operator source for site name, depth range, access logistics, and seasonal grey nurse shark context.

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