Trev's Rock – Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

35m Max

15-35m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Trev's Rock is a deep-water pinnacle at the Poor Knights Islands that attracts experienced divers seeking big-animal encounters and dramatic offshore diving in crystal-clear water. The rocky pinnacle rises from a sandy bottom at approximately 35 metres to within 8 metres of the surface, creating an underwater island that concentrates marine life in spectacular aggregations. Schools of kingfish patrol the pinnacle slopes in large numbers, their silver bodies creating a shimmering curtain against the blue water background. Barracouta and trevally join the feeding activity, creating a dynamic predator-prey spectacle that unfolds throughout the dive. The pinnacle's most famous visitors are the occasional sunfish, or mola mola, which visit the cleaning stations on the shallower pinnacle tops during the summer months. These bizarre and enormous fish, which can weigh over 1000 kilograms, are among the most sought-after marine encounters in the world. The pinnacle walls are covered in soft corals, black coral fans, and colourful sponges that thrive in the nutrient-rich current flowing around the structure. The exposed offshore location ensures exceptional water clarity with visibility often exceeding 30 metres, making Trev's Rock a premier wide-angle photography destination. The combination of deep pinnacle diving, big-animal encounters, and crystal-clear water makes this site a highlight for experienced divers visiting the Poor Knights.

Dive Briefing

"The dive begins at the pinnacle crest at approximately 8 metres, where the rocky reef is covered in colourful soft corals and demoiselles shelter from the current. Descend along the pinnacle face following the current direction, which typically flows from east to west around the structure. Schools of kingfish appear within the first few minutes, growing larger and more numerous with depth. At 20 metres, the kingfish schools form massive aggregations that can surround you completely. Barracouta and trevally join the schools at these depths. Continue to 25 to 30 metres where the pinnacle meets the sandy bottom and the largest kingfish patrol the deeper slopes. Watch for sunfish on the shallower pinnacle tops during the summer months, approaching slowly and calmly if encountered. The return follows the shallower pinnacle crest at 10 to 15 metres where the soft coral coverage is most colourful and the current is less intense. The safety stop is conducted on the pinnacle crest at 5 metres with the possibility of observing kingfish and barracouta in the blue water above."