China Wall is a tall vertical granite outcrop on the exposed eastern side of Moreton Island, rising from about 30 m towards the surface, with a 2 m wide swim-through at its top. It is one of the signature sites of Moreton's wild ocean coast and a regular partner to Cherubs Cave on Brisbane Scuba's winter trips. The dive has two distinct zones.

The upper reef is covered in thick kelp beds, which give it a temperate, almost southern character and can make navigation challenging as the fronds sway and hide the rock. Deeper, the vertical face drops away and the kelp gives way to sea whips and gorgonian fans, with crayfish and slipper lobsters tucked into the cracks. The wall's position on the open ocean brings pelagic fish close: schools of tuna, mackerel and barracuda are recorded, along with schooling reef fish and occasional sharks, including grey nurse sharks in winter.

Humpback whales migrate past between May and October, and their song is often audible during dives. UniDive and marinelife.org.au both describe it as a site for experienced divers because of its depth and exposure. The vertical relief makes it easy to manage depth by simply choosing how far down the wall to go, and the swim-through at the top makes a good finale before ascending.

With clear water, the wall is striking, and it is one of the best places near Brisbane to combine kelp, crayfish and pelagic action in one dive. Winter water of about 19-21°C calls for a 5-7 mm suit with hood.

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. China Wall is usually the first dive of a Brisbane Scuba China Wall/Cherubs Cave day.

Exposed ocean-side site facing the south-east trade winds and swell; dived mainly in winter on calm westerly days with swell under about 1.5 m. Surge in the kelp shallows in any swell. Currents moderate.

Visibility typically 15-25 m. Northerly and north-easterly sea breezes that build in the afternoon, and any lingering south-easterly groundswell after a trade-wind spell, will close the site even on sunny days, so trips go on the first calm westerly mornings after a front has passed.

Descend through the kelp to the top of the outcrop and pass through the 2 m wide swim-through, then drop down the vertical face to 25-30 m to see the sea whips and fans. Ascend back up the wall, keeping the kelp in sight for orientation, and do a safety stop on the line.

Brisbane Scuba (Manly) – two-dive days with Cherubs Cave, mainly winter; UniDive club trips; Go Dive Brisbane occasionally.