Cherubs Cave is not a famous dive site near Brisbane. Yet, it’s one of the best diving spots in Moreton Bay that has stayed a hidden gem only explored by local, daring scuba divers.

Diving Cherubs Cave - Grey Nurse Wobbegong

Diving in Australia? Check out this list of the best dive sites on Australia’s East Coast!

Why is Cherubs Cave for daring scuba divers?

Cherubs Cave is located on the other eastern side of Moreton Island. It means that you have to cross the pass between Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) and Moreton Island to get there and it can be full-on especially if it’s windy. It’s a long way by boat and whether you launch from Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), the Sunshine Coast or from Brisbane, you sign for a full day out. Most divers will then prefer to dive one of the many other diving spots in the area that can be as good and easier to reach, such as the reputed Flinders Reef and the dive sites near Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island).

Plus, as it’s on the ocean side of Moreton Island, it is an exposed open water dive. There are nice corals at Cherubs Cave, but no reef that provides protections for the divers or the boat. It means the swell can create challenging conditions at the surface or during the safety stop. It is also a deep site (max. 30 metres), with most of the exciting things around 20-25 metres deep.

In winter, scuba divers go to Cherubs Cave to see the placid and friendly Grey Nurse Sharks. But the passage between Moreton and Stradbroke Islands is also known for being a zone where bull sharks love cruising. Great White Sharks and Tiger Sharks are also known to be around, although they are almost never seen. It can feel weird to be briefed on how to react if a curious shark with a bad reputation comes to have a look at you. And not every scuba diver would enjoy the idea as some choose naively to forget about it.

Diving Cherubs Cave Shark in Rock Gully
Diving Cherubs Cave Grey Nurse Sharks
Diving Cherubs Cave shark and coral
Diving Cherubs Cave Grey Nurse

What you can expect at Cherubs Cave

It won’t come as a surprise that there is a cave at Cherubs Cave. Although there are multiple entrances, they are deep and not easy to find. However, once you’re in, navigation isn’t too hard as you can see the lights of the exits. It’s a narrow cave with a total overhead, so a torch is necessary to stay safe and avoid touching surrounding wobbegong sharks and sharp rocks.

Diving Cherubs Cave Shark in school of fish

But Cherub Caves is not all about the cave. We didn’t penetrate the cave when we dived there, as we took too long to find the entrance. There are many bommies with corals and anemones that attract abundant marine life. You can have fun wandering around the rocky gullies, with a few swim through and overhangs leading the way to a beautiful bottom full of kelps as you aim north.

In winter, Grey Nurse Sharks mix with the stunning schools of fish and turtles. As they migrate along the coast of Queensland, you can hear the whales singing and see their show when you’re at the surface (or underwater if you’re super extra lucky).

Diving Cherubs Cave shark and turtle
Diving Cherubs Cave Abundant Marine Life
Diving Cherubs Cave - French Angelfish

We loved every second of our trip to Cherubs Cave.

Although the boat trip is quite long, it’s one of the most scenic cruises you can get in the region. It’s always a pleasure to explore Moreton Bay by boat, surrounded by two of the largest sand islands in the world. We saw at least a dozen whales cruising and jumping near us, as well as a few dolphins.

We were lucky with perfect conditions at the surface. And even if the visibility underwater wasn’t at its best, the dives didn’t disappoint. About six sharks were waiting for us as we were descending. It only got better as we were surrounded by thousands of fish or peacefully watched a turtle peacefully hanging around with the sharks. We had such a great time that we almost unanimously voted to stay at the site for our second dive.

Diving Cherubs Cave Turtle
Diving Cherubs Cave Fish
Diving Cherubs cave turtle shark
Diving Cherubs Cave Rock Gully

Your underwater pics don’t look that good? Check out my tips for beginners to take underwater photos that aren’t blue!

Have you been to Cherubs Cave? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where is Cherubs Cave?

Cherubs Cave is approximately 4km off the north-eastern side of Moreton Island, not far away from Hendersons Rock.

Eloise

Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She writes about her experiences exploring exotic destinations and finding hidden gems closer to home. Her goal is to share tips and stories to inspire and encourage others to go on their own adventures. She loves outdoor and nature-based activities like scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and sailing. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. So let's get ready for another adventure!

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