South West Rocks lies on the middle of the north coast of New South Wales. It is a small fishing village, with a population barely above 5,000 people, but it draws in tourists during the holiday months. 

There are dive centres operating directly from here. There are no dive resorts but the dive centres offer dive and stay deals. They both offer dive courses from beginner up to specialty courses like nitrox. This is not an area for liveaboards. 

The most famous dive site in South West Rocks is Fish Rock Cave, which is routinely listed among the top ten dive sites in the whole of Australia. Featuring a long swim through and a naturally lit amphitheatre with silhouetted grey nurse sharks - this dive will not be forgotten in a hurry. Other highlights include the opportunity to see some stunning macro life (photographers will be kept busy), several species of turtle and even hammerhead sharks. 

Due to the warm, northerly currents, South West Rocks diving is possible year round. Due to the quiet atmosphere of the town, diving trips will be more frequent during the summer months when there are more tourists.

South West Rocks is warm and humid with warm summers and mild winters. The summer months (November - March) have average temperatures of 27°C. In contrast, winters (May - October) are cooler with mean daytime temperatures of 18-19°C. The rainfall is fairly consistent year round, with Autumn being the wettest season. The water temperatures peak at 24°C in the summer and have lows of 18°C in winter. A full length wetsuit is advised year round. 

The most famous type of diving in South West Rocks is the cave diving found at Fish Rock Cave, featuring a dark swim through and naturally lit cavern in which you can surface and have a chat mid-dive! This is one of the best dives in Australia and shouldn’t be missed. 

There are shore dives available here,  which are great options for all levels of divers but especially for beginners. Ladies Reef is great for macro life and is also a popular night dive due to the sheltered location, lack of currents and easy access. Most of the diving in South West Rocks is accessible mainly by boat. 

The tropical yet cooler waters of South West Rocks ensure that the coral life here is vibrant and plentiful. It hosts a huge amount of species, both within the reef and hovering above it. For photographers, there are many varied nudibranch hiding among the rocks as well as different species of shrimp, crabs and other invertebrates like Spanish dancers.

In the crevasses of the rocks, and among the seaweed, live camouflaged fish like scorpionfish, ghost pipefish, frogfish and leaf fish. Octopus, cuttlefish and sea spiders will avoid divers but are a great find. Schools of fish hover above many sites, particularly in the mouth of Fish Rock Cave.

Bigger fish like king fish, tuna and cod can be seen swimming out in the blue. Several species of sharks live here, including the rare grey nurse sharks and wobbegongs. Hammerhead sharks and manta rays have occasionally been seen in the summer months. Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles can be found year round, as can eagle rays. 
 

Fish Rock Cave - This 125m long cavern runs right through fish rock. There is a shallow entrance (12m) and a deep one (24m), followed by two dark chimneys where you can see the flickering eyes of thousands of crayfish. There is a bubble cave in which you can surface and talk to your buddy! The main section of the cave is lit with natural light, in which you can see grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs and thousands of fish, in an area known as the Aquarium. 

Green Island - Ledges and overhangs coated in sponges and corals are home to huge volumes of marine life. Cuttlefish, turtles, bull rays, wobbegongs and blind sharks are common. With a maximum depth of 14m, this site is perfect for all and can be dived as a drift. 

Shark Gutters - At 24m, sharks enjoy hiding in these cracks in the seabed. 

The Pinnacle - A submerged pinnacle at 30-35m, found northeast of Fish Rock. The current can be fierce so follow your guide’s advice. A great place to spot grey nurse sharks and enjoy the sheer walls that drop to the sand below. Many large sharks rest on the sandy bottom. 

Ladies Reef and Gaol Reef - These shore dives are great for macro sightings, beginner dives and night dives.