Bass Point

Best months: Jan–Mar

Protected Area

Bushrangers Bay

Why dive here

With 199+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, bull sharks, dolphins, dugongs and great white sharks - Bass Point offers some of Sydney & New South Wales's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 18-23°C, warmest January, February, March.

Best timeJan–Mar

WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Bull Sharks, Dolphins, Dugongs and Great White Sharks · 199+ species recorded

Water18-23°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Bass Point, on the south coast of NSW, is a real favourite of ours when we're looking for a solid day trip from Sydney. It’s an exposed headland, so you’ll want calm easterlies or westerlies for the best conditions. We usually head for the wrecks of the *Coolooli* and the *Belbowrie*, both scuttled there as part of a historical breakwater project that never quite came to fruition. The *Coolooli* is the star, a former Sydney ferry sitting upright at about 20 metres. Descending onto her deck, you can swim through the old paddle steamer’s wheelhouse and out over the stern, where schools of yellowtail scad often swirl so densely you can barely see your buddy. The current can pick up, especially around the exposed sections, so keep an eye on your dive guide and stay close to the wreck itself. Along the railings, we always spot eastern blue gropers, big and curious, often accompanied by wobbegongs tucked into crevices. The visibility here can be spectacular, 20 metres plus on a good day, with sunlight filtering right through the superstructure, highlighting the colourful encrusting sponges and anemones that have claimed the old ferry. It’s a dive that really suits those who enjoy a bit of history with their marine life, offering plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:2118:0712h 46m daylightGolden hour 17:34

Bass Point Wreck History

Vessel Type

unknown

Cause

unknown

Bass Point is not a single wreck but a renowned diving region on the New South Wales coast, offering a multitude of underwater adventures. This rugged headland creates a dramatic underwater landscape of walls, gullies, and caves, attracting an incredible array of marine biodiversity. The area's exposed position means it has been treacherous for shipping over the centuries, and hints of wreckage can be found by observant divers, though no single, famous wreck defines the site.

The primary draw for divers at Bass Point is the topography and the prolific marine life it supports. It's a place to encounter weedy sea dragons, giant cuttlefish, and Grey Nurse Sharks in the right season. A dive here is an exploration of a dynamic coastal environment, where every crevice and overhang might reveal a new discovery, making it a favorite location for Sydney's diving community.