Dive-site story
Located on the northern flank of the Poor Knights Islands, this dramatic volcanic archway cuts through the rock to form a protected amphitheater. Dense aggregations of blue maomao hang in the shadows and swirl beneath light beams penetrating from above. The vertical walls are encrusted with jewel anemones, bryozoans, and sponge gardens, creating rich contrast between the dark cavern interior and the bright blue open sea beyond the arch openings.
Massive swirling schools of shimmering blue maomao filling the natural archway chamber
Stunning light rays piercing the surface through natural roof gaps and side entries
Encrusting invertebrate life covering every square centimeter of the shadowed vertical walls
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn bring warmer waters, clearer sub-tropical currents, and migratory ray aggregations.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue maomaoScorpis violacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Two-spot demoiselleChromis dispilus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Sandager's wrasseCoris sandeyeri | Common | ||||||||||||
| Lord Howe coralfishAmphichaetodon howensis | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Mosaic morayEnchelycore ramosa | Common | ||||||||||||
| Short-tail stingrayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
