Man & Wife Rocks are two rocky outcrops in the middle of Keppel Bay, and they are the Keppels' most reliable all-round dive. Around the rocks a coral plateau at 6-8 m drops down to about 18 m, with deeper sections reaching 25 m, and the edge is broken by small canyons, gullies and ledges. The plateau carries plate corals, soft corals, sea fans and tube worms, while the walls and canyon sides are good places for macro life.

Wobbegong sharks are the local speciality and are often found resting under ledges; whitetip reef sharks, turtles and olive sea snakes are regular, and painted crayfish shelter in the cracks. Because depths are moderate and the site offers shelter from most wind directions, operators use it for mixed groups: new divers can stay on the plateau while more experienced divers explore the deeper wall. Photographers rate it for macro subjects and for soft-coral scenes on the plateau edge.

Visibility is typical of inner Keppel Bay, usually 8-15 m, so it is not a big-blue dive, but the density of life on the rocks makes up for it. It is a good first Keppels dive and a worthwhile repeat when the outer sites are blown out. The Keppel inshore reefs have been through repeated disturbances, notably coral bleaching and the major Fitzroy River flood plumes of the past two decades, and Man & Wife is a good place to see how the reef recovers: plate and branching corals have regrown strongly on the plateau.

Conditions vary more with the weather than with the season, so check with the dive shop on the morning. Photographers should bring both a macro and a wide lens if their system allows, as the plateau suits reef scenes while the ledges suit close-ups.

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. Man & Wife Rocks are about 20 minutes by dive boat from Great Keppel's ferry landing, or around 40 minutes by private boat from Rosslyn Bay.

Boats anchor on the sand off the plateau on whichever side is sheltered.

Keppel Bay is exposed to the prevailing south-east trades (strongest April-September) and to summer northerlies. The rocks offer a lee side in most moderate winds, so the site is diveable more often than Egg Rock or Barren Island; winds over about 20 knots or a large swell stop it. Currents are usually mild but pick up on spring tides.

Visibility is typically 8-15 m and best July-October; it drops after storms and river run-off.

Descend onto the 6-8 m plateau, then follow the drop-off down to 15-18 m and circle the rock with the wall on one shoulder, looking into the canyons and under ledges for wobbegongs and painted crayfish. Turn at half air, ascend to the plateau and spend the final 10-15 minutes there before a safety stop on the plateau edge.

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. One of the most frequently scheduled Keppel sites, suitable for mixed-ability groups.