Wollongong & Shellharbour · New South Wales
Scuba Diving at Bass Point
A rocky headland south of Wollongong with several entries and a protected reserve area.
Bass Point near Shellharbour is the Illawarra's principal shore-diving location, with several entries including The Gutter, Bushrangers Bay and the Arch.
Bushrangers Bay is an aquatic reserve and the most sheltered of the entries, making it a common training site.
The terrain is temperate rocky reef with kelp, and the diving is noticeably quieter than comparable Sydney sites.
Recommended: Open Water Diver. Parts of the site reach 20 m, which needs Advanced Open Water Diver. What can I dive with my cert?
Max depth
20 m
typically 12 m
Access
shore & boat
Current
variable
Water temp
16–23°C
Level
beginner
up to intermediate
| Region | Wollongong & Shellharbour |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | shore and boat |
| Site type | reef |
| Minimum depth | 3 m |
| Typical depth | 12 m |
| Maximum depth | 20 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Commonly 8–20 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 16–23°C |
| Experience level | beginner, intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- eastern blue gropers
- Port Jackson sharks seasonally
- octopus
- cuttlefish
- rays
- wobbegongs
- nudibranchs
Access
- Several shore entries, each with different swell tolerance.
- Bushrangers Bay is the most sheltered.
- Some entries involve rock scrambling.
Hazards
- surge and swell
- slippery rock entries
- current at the point
- difficult exits in swell
Marine Life at Bass Point
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site.
Useful Training for Diving Bass Point
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Dive Sites Similar to Bass Point
Worth reading alongside this one.
Planning Guides for Diving Bass Point
Practical guides selected from this site's access, environment, wildlife and experience profile.
Dive Sites Near Bass Point
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other Dive Businesses Near Bass Point
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Bass Point Diving FAQs
How deep is Bass Point?
Depths range from around 3 metres to roughly 20 metres, with a typical profile around 12 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Bass Point suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Bass Point?
Several shore entries, each with different swell tolerance. Bushrangers Bay is the most sheltered.
Is there current at Bass Point?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Bass Point?
Commonly reported marine life includes eastern blue gropers, Port Jackson sharks seasonally, octopus, cuttlefish, rays, wobbegongs. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Bass Point?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 8–20 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Bass Point?
Bass Point is in the Wollongong & Shellharbour region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.