Bald Rock is a rocky reef off the southern side of Great Keppel Island that tops out a few metres below the surface and drops to about 16 m. It is one of a pair of south-coast sites, together with the deeper Hannah Rock, and offers a more invertebrate-rich dive than the sheltered sandy bays on the western side of the island. The upper reef is covered in plate corals, which give way on the deeper slopes to tube sponges, sea whips and black coral trees.

These invertebrates provide homes for small gobies, shrimps and crabs, and the reef as a whole supports a good population of tropical fish. Batfish are a feature and often hover in small groups off the edge of the reef. Wobbegong sharks rest under ledges and among the plates, turtles are regular, and nudibranchs are common on the sponges.

The combination of moderate depth and plenty of structure makes it a good site for photographers who want both macro and reef scenes on one dive. Because it faces the prevailing wind, Bald Rock is dived only when the south coast is calm, so it sees relatively few divers. It suits Open Water divers who are comfortable with a little current, and it makes a good second dive after Hannah Rock when both are visited on the same trip.

As with all the Keppel reefs, the inshore setting means visibility is usually moderate, typically 8-15 m, so the best way to enjoy the site is slowly, looking closely at the whips and sponges rather than hoping for long vistas.

Drive 40 km (about 40 minutes) from Rockhampton to Yeppoon, then 7 km south along the Scenic Highway to Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay Harbour, where there is free and paid parking. Freedom Fast Cats and Keppel Konnections ferries run to Great Keppel Island (Fisherman's Beach) in about 30 minutes; Keppel Dive & Water Sports picks up certified divers from the island. Bald Rock lies off Great Keppel's southern coast, about 15-20 minutes by dive boat from Fisherman's Beach or 35-40 minutes by private boat from Rosslyn Bay.

Boats anchor on sand beside the reef; there is no mooring.

Keppel Bay is exposed to the prevailing south-east trades (strongest April-September) and to summer northerlies. The southern coast of Great Keppel faces into the south-east trades, so Bald Rock is best in calm spells or light northerlies; winds over about 15 knots from the south-east make it rough. Tidal currents run along the south coast on spring tides.

Visibility 8-15 m, best July-October, lower after rain.

Descend from the anchor to the base of the reef at 14-16 m and work around the rock with the current, checking the black coral trees and whips for gobies and shrimp. Ascend onto the plate corals at 6-10 m for the second half and safety stop.

Keppel Dive & Water Sports (PADI 5 Star, based on the Spit at Great Keppel Island next to Great Keppel Island Hideaway) runs guided boat dives to the Keppel sites most days, weather permitting, plus courses and Discover Scuba; site choice is made on the day according to wind. Private boats from Rosslyn Bay also dive here. Bald Rock is dived occasionally when south-coast conditions allow.