Hendersons Rock is widely described as one of Brisbane's best dive sites and also one of its least frequented, simply because it lies 4.5 km off the exposed ocean side of northern Moreton Island, a long way from any boat ramp. When conditions allow, it is a superb dive. The site is an extensive granite reef with a pinnacle rising to about 12 m from a base around 24-25 m.

The rock is cut into ledges, overhangs and caves, with walls about 2 m high and swim-throughs, large caverns at around 25 m and a long, deep gutter running south-east of the pinnacle. Extensive kelp beds cover the western side, giving the reef a temperate feel unusual for South East Queensland. The gutter is the main winter attraction: grey nurse sharks gather there from about June, and divers who settle quietly at the edge can watch them cruise past.

Queensland groupers, gummy sharks and wobbegongs are also regulars, along with schools of batfish and large pelagic fish in the open water. Close to the kelp and in the ledges there is plenty for macro enthusiasts, including seahorses, pipefish and nudibranchs. Visibility averages about 20 m.

The combination of big animals, kelp and granite architecture makes Hendersons one of the most varied dives in the region, and the lack of boat traffic means the fish are relatively undisturbed. It suits experienced divers who can handle exposed conditions, and it is usually dived on winter trips that pair it with nearby Cherubs Cave or China Wall.

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. Hendersons Rock is about 4.5 km off the ocean beach of northern Moreton Island, south of Cape Moreton.

Exposed to the full force of the south-east trade winds and swell, and far from launching points, so it is dived mainly in winter when westerly winds flatten the sea. Swell over about 1.5 m or winds over 15 knots from the south-east through north-east rule it out. Currents are moderate.

Visibility averages about 20 m.

Descend on the pinnacle at about 12 m, drop down the ledges to the long gutter south-east of the pinnacle to look for grey nurse sharks without entering it, then explore the caverns around 25 m and return over the kelp beds on the western side.

Supercat Charters and Brisbane operators – mainly winter trips; UniDive and other clubs occasionally. Described as one of Brisbane's best but least frequented sites.