Outer Rock is a boat-accessible reef and drop-off site in Queensland where the main draw is sharks. Bronze whalers and tiger sharks frequent these waters, making this a genuinely compelling dive for intermediate divers comfortable around large marine life. The site runs to 30 metres, giving you options across the water column, though visibility is variable so conditions can shift considerably between dives. A moderate current runs across the site and can strengthen without much notice, particularly along the drop-off. Plan your dive with the current in mind and stay within your experience level.
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Check current and visibility conditions locally before committing, as both can change significantly depending on the time of year and tidal movement. The site is best visited between January and September when conditions are generally more favourable.
The site is accessible by boat, with a boat ramp available at Turkey Beach. The site is located between the towns of 1770 and Gladstone.
The site is known for the presence of bronze whalers and tiger sharks. Tides can be rough, so it is best to dive at slack or high tide.
Depth
Up to 30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
20°C+
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Outer Rock in Queensland offers encounters with bronze whaler sharks and tiger sharks. This dive site near Seventeen Seventy is known specifically for these larger pelagic species, making it a prime location for shark diving on Australia's east coast.
Outer Rock reaches a maximum depth of 30 metres. The site near Seventeen Seventy, Queensland, allows divers to explore various depth ranges depending on their comfort level and dive plan.
An Open Water certification is required to dive Outer Rock. Due to the site's moderate currents and presence of sharks, intermediate diving skills are recommended despite the minimum certification level.
Outer Rock is classified as an intermediate level dive site and is not suitable for beginners. The moderate currents, depth of 30 metres, and presence of bronze whaler and tiger sharks require divers to have experience beyond basic Open Water training.
The optimal diving months at Outer Rock run from January through August. Water temperatures during this period average around 20 degrees Celsius, providing consistent conditions for diving near Seventeen Seventy.
Outer Rock is accessed exclusively by boat, with no shore entry option available. Divers must arrange boat transportation from Seventeen Seventy to reach this offshore Queensland dive site.
Outer Rock experiences moderate currents that require proper dive planning and buoyancy control. Combined with the presence of sharks and 30-metre depth, these currents contribute to the site's intermediate difficulty rating.
There is no entry fee to dive Outer Rock. However, divers will need to pay for boat charter services from Seventeen Seventy to access this offshore Queensland dive site.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Outer Rock in Seventeen Seventy. Water temperatures can drop to 20°C.
Outer Rock in Seventeen Seventy has a maximum depth of 30 metres.
