Boat Rock is Point Lookout's advanced dive: a spire-shaped rock about 0.5 nautical miles east of the headland that rises from the 30 m seafloor to break the surface. Manta Lodge describes a ledge at 15 m with a cliff face dropping below, and the rock is fully exposed to the currents and swell that sweep past Queensland's most easterly point, so it is rated for advanced divers only. The pay-off for handling those conditions is fish life.

Manta Lodge says Boat Rock attracts schools of large fish and marine life not usually seen at the more protected sites, and marinelife.org.au notes colourful caverns in the pinnacle and good fish life. Expect big schools of trevally, kingfish and other pelagics sweeping around the rock, cod and gropers, wobbegongs on the ledges, and turtles and rays. Adreno mentions curious wild dolphins, which are common around Point Lookout, and in winter humpback whales migrate close past the headland.

The caverns are coated in sponges and soft corals. The dive's character depends on the day. On a calm, slack day it is a spectacular pinnacle dive with time to explore the caverns; when the current runs, it becomes a fast-paced dive clinging to the lee of the rock or a drift away from it.

Either way, divers need solid buoyancy, air management and comfort with a DSMB. It is a good choice for experienced visitors who have done Manta Bommie and Flat Rock and want something wilder. Winter water of 19-21°C calls for a 5-7 mm suit with hood.

Drive to Cleveland (about 40 minutes from Brisbane) and take the SeaLink vehicle ferry or a passenger water taxi across to Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island, then drive about 20 km (25 minutes) east to Point Lookout. Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre at Point Lookout runs the dives, beach-launching its boats and reaching the Point Lookout sites in roughly 5-15 minutes. Brisbane operators (Brisbane Scuba from Manly, Gold Coast Dive Adventures from Runaway Bay) also run occasional day trips.

Boat Rock is about 0.5 nautical miles east of Point Lookout headland, a few minutes by boat.

Boat Rock is fully exposed off the easternmost point of Queensland and is often subject to strong current and waves. It needs small swell (under about 1.5 m) and light winds; south-easterly trade winds quickly make it undiveable. Currents are frequently strong, so it may be dived as a drift with a DSMB.

Visibility averages about 15 m (5-20 m).

Descend quickly to the ledge at 15 m in the lee of the rock, then work around the spire's cliff face down to 20-25 m, looking into the caverns. Stay close to the rock in current and ascend on a DSMB if the boat is live-boating.

Nitrox helps at 20-25 m; carry a DSMB and reel for drift pickups.

Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre – advanced dives when conditions allow; occasional Gold Coast/Brisbane operator trips.