Log This Dive

PANCAKE ROCKS - MIDDLE ISLAND

We’ve spent a fair bit of time poking around Goat Island, and Pancake Rocks on Middle Island consistently makes our shortlist. It’s not about grand pelagics or dizzying depths – this site is a masterclass in details, and we absolutely love it for that. The real draw here is the geology, these stacked rock formations carved by the sea into gullies and archways. Swimming through them, especially with the sun shafting down, is a genuinely cool feeling. The cracks and overhangs are loaded with critters if you take your time. You’ll spot plenty of those mottled triplefins doing their little push-ups on the rocks, and we often see eastern king wrasse darting about. Keep an eye on the sand patches for smooth skates, and the occasional southern eagle ray glides through with a casual elegance that never gets old. Visibility here is usually pretty solid, averaging 11 metres, which really lets you appreciate the intricate rock formations and the kelp forests swaying gently. It’s a photographer’s spot, definitely. Grab your GoPro, find a good arch, and just let the light play. We’d suggest going at high tide if you can, it just makes navigation through the archways a little smoother. It’s a great dive for anyone who enjoys exploring a reef's nooks and crannies without needing to go deep.