North Stradbroke Island · Queensland

Shag Rock

A shallower alternative to Flat Rock off North Stradbroke, with turtles and rays.

Reef
intermediate

Shag Rock sits closer to shore than Flat Rock and offers a shallower, generally calmer alternative when conditions are marginal.

Turtles are abundant, and the boulder terrain and gutters hold a good range of subtropical species.

It is frequently used as the second dive of a Stradbroke day trip or as the primary site when Flat Rock is too exposed.

A green sea turtle encounter, represented by an AI-generated editorial image.

Max depth

22 m

typically 15 m

Access

boat

Current

variable

Water temp

19–26°C

Level

intermediate

Depth range at Shag Rock, against standard recreational training limits. Route selection and conditions change the actual profile.

Diving profile

Region	North Stradbroke Island
State	Queensland
Access	boat
Site type	reef
Minimum depth	6 m
Typical depth	15 m
Maximum depth	22 m
Current	variable
Visibility	Commonly 10–20 m
Water temperature	Roughly 19–26°C
Experience level	intermediate

These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.

Marine life

green turtles
wobbegongs
rays
schooling baitfish
leopard sharks in summer
grey nurse sharks occasionally

Access

Boat access from North Stradbroke Island or Brisbane.
Shallower and more sheltered than Flat Rock.

Hazards

current
surge in shallow gutters
boat traffic

Operators servicing this site

Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.

Manta Lodge & Scuba CentreA North Stradbroke Island operation combining accommodation and diving, which makes it structurally different from a suburban Brisbane training centre.

Training that is genuinely useful here

Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.

Open Water DiverThe entry-level certification that allows independent recreational diving to around 18 metres.Advanced Open Water DiverFive guided specialty dives that extend depth to 30 metres and introduce navigation and other skills.

Related dive sites

Worth reading alongside this one.

Flat RockSoutheast Queensland's premier big-animal site — grey nurse sharks, mantas and turtles.Flinders ReefThe highest coral diversity in Moreton Bay, on a rocky reef north of Moreton Island.

Dive sites nearby

Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.

Flat Rock · 7 kmSoutheast Queensland's premier big-animal site — grey nurse sharks, mantas and turtles.Tangalooma Wrecks · 32 kmFifteen deliberately scuttled vessels in shallow, sheltered water off Moreton Island.Curtin Artificial Reef · 34 kmA long-running artificial reef project in Moreton Bay, built from scuttled vessels and structures.Flinders Reef · 45 kmThe highest coral diversity in Moreton Bay, on a rocky reef north of Moreton Island.Scottish Prince · 62 kmAn 1887 iron barque wreck in shallow water off Main Beach, the Gold Coast's best-known dive.Cook Island · 85 kmAn aquatic reserve off Tweed Heads with a resident turtle population and seasonal grey nurse sharks.

Other dive businesses in the area

Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.

Brisbane ScubaA Brisbane training and service business supporting the local resident diving population.Brisbane Dive AcademyA Brisbane training operation focused on recreational certification and continuing education.Go Dive BrisbaneA Brisbane business combining training, equipment retail and service support for local divers.Dive Dive DiveA long-standing Brisbane business associated with technical training alongside recreational courses, retail and servicing. Technical capability should be audited service by service rather than assumed.ADRENO BrisbaneA large equipment retailer with a strong spearfishing and freediving emphasis alongside scuba equipment. This is primarily a retail business rather than a training centre.DiversWorldA Queensland equipment and service business. Current retail range, servicing capability and any training should be verified directly.Tangalooma Island ResortA Moreton Island resort with diving and snorkelling access to the Tangalooma wrecks, a shallow, sheltered artificial reef system.Gold Coast Dive CentreA Gold Coast training and service business serving local divers and visitors.

Location

Shag Rock, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Shag Rock?

Depths range from around 6 metres to roughly 22 metres, with a typical profile around 15 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.

Is Shag Rock suitable for beginners?

It is better approached with experience beyond entry level. Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.

How do you get to Shag Rock?

Access is boat based. Boat access from North Stradbroke Island or Brisbane.

Is there current at Shag Rock?

Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.

What will I see at Shag Rock?

Commonly reported marine life includes green turtles, wobbegongs, rays, schooling baitfish, leopard sharks in summer, grey nurse sharks occasionally. Sightings are never guaranteed.

When is the best time to dive Shag Rock?

Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 10–20 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.

Where is Shag Rock?

Shag Rock is in the North Stradbroke Island region of Queensland.

Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.