Fish Rock Dive Centre, South West Rocks

Welcomed myself and partner by Pete and Bia on arrival for our adventure out to Fish Rock. Hire gear all sorted then meet at the boat ramp for the trip out. Massive amount of rain but Pete assured us that currents from the south were keeping the visibility pretty good. Safety is obviously the first priority of this dive operation, equipment was excellent, instructions and procedures were clear and precise, all we had to do was listen and follow. In the water, WOW! Simple, just follow Pete and everything appears, Grey Nurse everywhere and in your face, friendly and pesky large Blue Groper, lazy Wobbygongs littering the rock bottom even a big school of Kingfish blazing past. After some food and refreshment during the surface interval we were back in the water this time with the planned and much anticipated Fish Rock Cave. No disappointments here, lobsters and more Wobbies galore then as we began to see the light more Grey Nurse silhouettes at the shallow end, Mind Blowing. Thankyou Fish Rock Dive Centre, Pete and Bia for a wonderful and memorable day!

Not to be missed adventure for divers, the sharks and fish are extraordinary! FRDC provide excellent quality gear in great condition, they cater to divers who feel the cold too with plenty of warm wetsuit options. We were given clear dive briefs and a plan to ensure everyone got through the cave safely. We went out on their large RIB which handles the sea and bar crossing very well. We didn't see the hoped for Hammerheads (that's wildlife for you) but I will never forget the sight of dozens of Grey Nurse sharks bisecting columns of Ladderfin Pomfrets within a stream of sunshine. Nor will I forget the thrill of suddenly 'seeing' the rocks underneath me were actually the resting place of a 2m Wobbiegong (one of many, many of these experts in camo to be seen around the rock). So many fish to be seen, cowtail rays, sponges and black coral too. So much pretty stuff on the walls but we spent most of our time shark gazing! We also enjoyed South West Rocks, the off leash dog friendly beaches and the walks in Arakoon. All round great week.

I cannot tell my experience whatsoever about diving at Fish Rock. However I would never recommend this centre at all. I booked a dive for 2 people on April and It did not happened due to weather conditions. Spoke to Pete over the phone an email about rescheduling and then he never came back to me. Try to call several times, send text messages, emails and not a single answer. I don’t really know what happened to the business if they are operating or not but I’ve lost almost $500 and nobody answers.

There are many things in life that are rare, and it's those things we need to appreciate. Well guided dives through schools of fish and sharks, having giant Queensland gropers circle you throughout the dive, and most importantly, having dive operators as friendly and as excited to dive as these guys! Can't rate these dives enough, and can't rate the legends who run it enough! Cheers Pete, had an awesome time!

Great dive and great guides. Peter and Bea are a great example of those small local companies that you go to when you’re after special treatment and a great experience rather than feeing just like one more body spending your money to be in a comfy boat with an average service. Their enthusiasm talking about diving the Fish Rock Island, even though they’ve done it a few thousand times, is top notch! Pete was thrilled after we saw a Great White Shark on our first dive, and that is what keeps the magic about scuba diving alive imo. Keen to get back to SW Rocks and dive with them again!