Cherubs Cave takes its name from a small concrete cherub that once marked the main entrance to this hidden cave; the statue has long gone, but the name stuck. The cave is large and roughly circular, about 20 m by 15 m, and Brisbane Scuba describes it as a choose-your-own-adventure dive because there are six exits. The accessible area narrows quickly away from the main chamber, so divers stay in the large open space and use the exits rather than pushing into restrictions.

Around the cave the reef is broken into rocky gullies, smaller caves and overhangs in 20-30 m, north of Hendersons Rock on the ocean side of Moreton Island. The cave shelters wobbegongs and schools of fish, and big turtles and gropers are common. Pelagic species such as barracuda, kingfish and trevally sweep over the reef, and in winter grey nurse sharks gather in the gutters nearby, sometimes in good numbers; Nigel Marsh reports two to twelve per dive on the eastern sites in the colder months.

The reef also holds plenty of critters for those who look closely. Because of its depth, exposure and overhead environment, UniDive and other guides recommend it for advanced divers. It is typically dived in winter, when westerly weather makes the east coast accessible, and usually paired with China Wall on a Brisbane Scuba two-dive day.

For divers who enjoy caverns with plenty of light and options, and who want a good chance of grey nurse sharks, it is one of the standout dives off Brisbane. Water temperatures are about 19-21°C in the winter diving season, so a 5-7 mm suit with hood is usual.

Boat access only. Brisbane charters (Brisbane Scuba from Manly Boat Harbour, corner of Royal Esplanade and Davenport Drive; Go Dive Brisbane) cross Moreton Bay, exit through the North West Channel and run around the northern tip of Moreton Island and south down the exposed ocean side past Cape Moreton – a long run of roughly 1.5-2 hours that is only attempted on calm days, mostly in winter. Sunshine Coast boats can also reach the area from Mooloolaba.

Private boats usually launch at Scarborough or Bribie Island; the ocean side has no shelter and no quick return route, so a settled forecast and local marks are essential. Cherubs Cave lies north of Hendersons Rock; Brisbane Scuba runs two-dive days combining it with China Wall.

The east side of Moreton faces the prevailing south-east trade winds and swell; the site is realistically diveable on calm winter days with westerly winds and swell under about 1.5 m. Swell produces surge in the cave. Currents moderate.

Visibility usually 15-25 m. Summer north-easterly sea breezes build through the day and quickly make the ocean side rough; morning departures in winter high-pressure systems give the best chance of a calm run and clear water.

Descend to the reef at 20 m, find the main entrance and enter the cave, which is about 20 x 15 m and bright enough to navigate by the exits. Choose an exit, then explore the surrounding gullies and overhangs and check the gutters for grey nurse sharks before returning to the line.

Carry a torch; nitrox extends bottom time at 25 m.

Brisbane Scuba (Manly) – two-dive days combining China Wall and Cherubs Cave, mostly in winter; Supercat Charters; UniDive club trips.