South West Rocks · Australia · Reef
Larry's Ledge
Flat rock at 14 m where hammerheads patrol in summer
Area photo: Richard Ling · CC BY-SA 2.0
A flat set of rocks with an average depth of 14 metres, visited after divers exit the shallow entrance of Fish Rock Cave when conditions allow. It is quite often protected from the current, which makes it a place to settle and watch, and in the warmer months hammerheads patrol the area off the ledge.
Where it is and how deep
30.9387° S, 153.1008° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Larry's Ledge is dived as a continuation rather than on its own. On exiting the shallow entrance of Fish Rock Cave, if conditions allow, divers cross to a flat set of rocks with an average depth of 14 metres. The ledge is quite often protected from the current, so instead of finning to hold position you can settle on it and spend the time observing the environment around you.
The reason to make the crossing is the water off the ledge. In the warmer months hammerheads patrol this area, and the flat rock gives a stable, sheltered spot to watch that action from rather than chasing it. Because it comes at the shallow end of the profile, at around 14 metres, it is also the part of the dive where the gas budget is at its most forgiving.
Marine life and season
- Hammerheads
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good |
Season follows South West Rocks: Grey nurse numbers peak Jun–Nov; the Eastern Australian Current brings the warmest, clearest water Jan–Apr.
Questions divers ask
When can you see hammerheads at Larry's Ledge?+
In the warmer months. The dive centre describes Larry's Ledge as a good spot to watch hammerheads patrolling the area during that part of the year.
Sources
- Dive Sites | Fish Rock & South West Rocks — Fish Rock Dive Centre
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