Specialty rock
Armour Rock and Large Rock
Armour rock and large rock for erosion control, bank stabilisation and civil works, supplied from Merriwa with bulk next-day delivery across the Hunter Valley.
Can’t find what you’re looking for, or need a quote?
Hunter Blue Metal supplies specialty rock, including armour rock and large rock, for erosion control, bank stabilisation, scour protection and civil works, supplied from our quarry at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter, with bulk next-day delivery across the Hunter Valley, Newcastle and surrounding areas. Get in touch for a quote on your project.
Our rock products are sourced from our own quarry and trusted local suppliers across the Hunter region. Locally sourced from the Hunter, our rock is supplied to projects across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and surrounding NSW. Every product is selected for durability, consistent sizing, and suitability for demanding applications in civil infrastructure, mining operations, construction, and agriculture. If you need a rock product we don’t usually stock, our sourcing team can find it for you through our network of local quarries and suppliers.
Rock products at a glance
Compare our armour rock and large rock and match your application to the right size:
| Rock product | Size | Typical weight per rock | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armour rock | 200/600mm | About 20 to 500 kg | Erosion control, bank stabilisation, scour protection, breakwater works |
| Large rock (1m plus) | 1000mm plus | About 1 to 5 tonnes or more | Major civil works, large-scale erosion protection, mining hardstand |
Need a specific rock product or unusual size? Our quarry material sourcing service matches civil, mining and rail projects to the right rock product across our partner network. We also supply gabion rock and spalls (100/200mm) and rail ballast: ask us for a quote, or see our rail construction products. Call 1300 150 777.
What are armour rock and large rock?
Armour rock (also known as rock armour or rip rap) is large, heavy, angular rock used to protect embankments, shorelines, channels, and slopes from erosion caused by water flow and wave action. Large rock (1m plus) is the oversized end of the range, used where the flow or wave energy calls for more rock mass.
Unlike standard aggregates that are crushed and graded to fine sizes, these are larger materials chosen for their size, weight, durability, and performance in demanding environments. Read our guides: Armour Rock in NSW: Sizing, Applications and Bulk Supply and Rock Products for Civil Works: Armour Rock, Gabion Rock, Spalls and 1m+ Rock Explained.
The right rock depends on your application, the engineering requirements of your project, and the environment the material will be exposed to. Using the correct size and type of rock ensures structural integrity, long-term performance, and compliance with project specifications.
Our Armour Rock and Large Rock
Explore our range of standard stock armour rock and large rock.
Armour Rock: 200/600mm
Our 200/600mm armour rock is a versatile, medium-to-large sized rock product commonly used for erosion protection, drainage works, and retaining structures. The 200mm to 600mm size range provides excellent interlocking properties when placed, creating stable, durable protection for embankments, waterways, and slopes.
Applications:
- Rock armour and rip rap for erosion control on embankments and waterways
- Channel lining and scour protection for drainage infrastructure
- Retaining wall construction and slope stabilisation
- Dam and spillway protection
- Access road edging and site boundary definition on mine and construction sites
Specifications: 200mm to 600mm nominal size range, with individual rocks weighing from around 20 kg to about 500 kg. Angular to sub-angular shape for good interlocking. Dense, durable rock suitable for permanent erosion protection and civil construction applications. Read our guide: Armour Rock in NSW.
Large Rock: 1m plus
Our 1m plus large rock consists of heavy, durable rocks exceeding 1 metre in size. These oversized rocks are selected for their mass and structural integrity, making them ideal for major erosion control, bank stabilisation, and heavy civil engineering applications across the Hunter Valley and NSW.
Applications:
- Erosion control and bank stabilisation on rivers, creeks, and channels
- Breakwater and revetment construction for coastal and waterway protection
- Scour protection around bridge piers, culverts, and drainage outfalls
- Slope stabilisation on embankments and cuttings
- Feature rock for major civil landscaping and site works
Specifications: Individual rocks exceeding 1 metre in diameter, typically 1 to 5 tonnes or more per piece, placed with a rock grab or an excavator with a pinch attachment. Selected for density, durability, and resistance to weathering. Suitable for high-energy erosion environments where significant rock mass is required.
Need help choosing armour rock or large rock?
Our team can recommend the right material for your project and source it for you if it’s not on our standard product list. Whether you need advice on the best rock size for erosion control, or a specific material for a mining or industrial project, we’re here to help.
Armour Rock and Large Rock Applications
Our specialty rock products support a wide range of projects across the Hunter Valley and NSW.
Civil and infrastructure
Armour rock is an essential material for erosion control, bank stabilisation, channel linings, and scour protection in civil infrastructure projects. Our products are used on council works, state government projects, and major infrastructure developments throughout the Hunter region. For a full range of civil construction materials including road base and aggregates, see our road construction products. For rail ballast and other rail construction materials, see our rail construction products
Mining and industrial
Large rock and armour rock products are widely used across mining and industrial sites for haul road construction, dam and embankment stabilisation, site drainage protection, and rehabilitation works. We understand the demands of mine-site delivery schedules and can coordinate supply to meet your operational requirements. Learn more about our mining supply capabilities
Agriculture
Large rock and armour rock products are popular for erosion control on rural properties, creek and dam stabilisation, driveway and access track edging, and general property improvements. Our bulk delivery service makes it easy to get large quantities to rural properties across the Hunter Valley. See our agriculture page for more information.
Why Hunter Blue Metal?
Recognised as the Hunter Valley’s oversized rock specialists, Hunter Blue Metal supplies a comprehensive range of quarry products including specialty rock, aggregates, sand and dust, road base materials, and rail construction materials. From our quarry at Merriwa in the Upper Hunter, and with materials sourced from our own quarry and trusted local suppliers, we offer responsive service and bulk next-day delivery across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and surrounding areas. Our team has the expertise to recommend the right material for your project, and if we don’t stock it, we’ll source it for you.
Bulk transport delivery
Whatever specialty rock products you're purchasing from us, we'll get them to your site safely and efficiently the very next day. We service projects of all sizes, from single-truck loads for rural property improvements to multi-delivery schedules for major civil and mining projects.
Related guides
Helpful explainers and buyer guides from our team:
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We reduce our carbon footprint through efficient bulk transport and optimised delivery routes. Our commitment to responsible quarrying practices means you can rely on quality materials supplied with minimal environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Armour rock (also called rock armour or rip rap) is used to protect embankments, shorelines, waterways, and slopes from erosion. Large, heavy rocks are placed along vulnerable areas to absorb the energy of water flow and wave action, preventing soil loss and structural damage. Common applications include creek and river bank stabilisation, dam embankment protection, drainage channel lining, and scour protection around bridges and culverts. The size of armour rock required depends on the energy of the water and the slope of the embankment.
The size of rock needed for erosion control depends on the water velocity, slope gradient, and engineering specifications of your project. For high-energy environments like fast-flowing creeks or wave-exposed embankments, 1m plus large rock provides the mass needed to resist displacement. For moderate erosion protection, our 200/600mm armour rock is widely used. Our team can help you select the right size for your specific application.
Yes. Armour rock is also called rock armour or rip rap. It is large, angular rock placed to protect embankments, shorelines, channels and slopes from erosion by moving water.
Individual rocks in our 200/600mm armour rock weigh from around 20 kg at the 200mm end to about 500 kg at the 600mm end. Our 1m plus large rock weighs from around 1 tonne to 5 tonnes or more per piece, so it is placed with a rock grab or an excavator with a pinch attachment.
Yes. Our rock is sourced from our own quarry and trusted local suppliers across the Hunter region, and supplied from Merriwa in the Upper Hunter to projects across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and surrounding NSW.
Yes. We offer bulk delivery of armour rock and large rock throughout the Hunter Valley, Newcastle, and surrounding regions. Our fleet is equipped to handle heavy and oversized rock loads, and with stock ready to go, we can typically offer next-day delivery. We service everything from single-truck deliveries for rural property works to ongoing supply schedules for major civil, mining, and infrastructure projects.
The right product depends on your application, the engineering specifications of your project, and the environment the rock will be placed in. Our experienced team can recommend the best material for your needs, whether it’s large rock for bank stabilisation or armour rock for erosion protection. Get in touch with your project details and we’ll point you in the right direction.