Blacksmiths Western Artificial Reef - Sydney & New South Wales

Double Reef is exactly what it sounds like, and we love a dive site that delivers on its name. It’s a gentle slope down to about 14 metres, where a sandy flat separates the first reef from the second. That sand patch is our favourite spot to pause and just scan for the usual suspects: maybe a cruising eagle ray, or a jawfish peeking from its burrow. The second reef starts around 18 metres and drops further, though we often find the best action is closer to the top. Visibility here is usually a solid 20-25 metres, and you’ll want it to spot the sheephead wrasse or the occasional redface eel tucked into the coral. We often find juvenile drumfish dancing in the overhangs, and the sponges are particularly vibrant, a deep purple against the clear blue. It’s a relaxed drift, generally, making it a great choice for divers who want to take their time and really observe the smaller stuff, like the pearl blennies or tiny gobies, though we’ve seen turtles here more often than not.

Location

Sydney & New South Wales, Australia, Australasia

Coordinates

-33.080500, 151.670500

Type

reef

Marine Protected Area: Moon Island