Broughton Island The Looking Glass - Sydney & New South Wales

El Laberinto feels exactly like its name suggests: a maze, but the kind you actually want to get lost in. It’s perfect for those days when you just want to wander, taking your time to poke into every crack and crevice. We often start shallow, around 5 or 6 metres, where the light still plays on the sandy patches, illuminating little communities of Banded Cleaner Shrimp scuttling over sponges. As you drift deeper, the reef transitions into a gentle wall that bottoms out at about 15 metres on a bright white sand floor. This contrast is striking, and it’s where we often find ourselves lingering, watching for Broadnose Worm Eels poking their heads out or the distinctive flash of a Slippery Dick darting into cover. The visibility here is usually very good, often 15-20 metres, which makes spotting tiny Blackfin Blennies a real treat. We love this site for its relaxed pace; it’s a brilliant spot for newer divers to build confidence, but even experienced eyes will find plenty to keep them occupied, especially in the towering coral formations where juvenile Spot Snappers hide. Bring a good macro lens if you have one; the small stuff really shines here.

Location
Sydney & New South Wales, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-32.629300, 152.316600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Little Broughton Island

Nearby Dive Sites in Sydney & New South Wales

Nearest Dive Centres to Broughton Island The Looking Glass

Marine Life in Sydney & New South Wales

Home to 202 recorded species including 129 reef fish, 41 sharks & rays, 9 whales & dolphins, 5 other, 4 crabs & lobsters, 3 octopus & squid.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for diving 'The Looking Glass' at Broughton Island?
The Looking Glass dive site at Broughton Island offers a maximum depth of 18m. This makes it suitable for a range of divers looking to explore its unique topography and marine life.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Broughton Island's 'The Looking Glass' dive site?
Divers at The Looking Glass can expect to encounter incredible topography, including diving between a unique “crack“ in the island. The site is a sanctuary for endangered grey nurse sharks, and you may also spot turtles, trumpetfish, schools of bullseyes, Eastern Blue devilfish, crustaceans, and even macro nudibranchs.
How challenging is 'The Looking Glass' dive at Broughton Island, especially regarding currents and surge?
The Looking Glass dive at Broughton Island is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While the data doesn't specify current and surge conditions, an intermediate rating suggests divers should be comfortable with varying conditions that might include moderate currents or surge.
What is the best time of year or day to dive 'The Looking Glass' for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal conditions or marine life sightings at The Looking Glass. For general information on when to dive in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide for Sydney & New South Wales.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive 'The Looking Glass' at Broughton Island?
Given that The Looking Glass is an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should typically hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures you have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's conditions and maximum depth of 18m.
What are the typical current and surge conditions divers might encounter at 'The Looking Glass' dive site?
The provided data does not detail the typical current and surge conditions for The Looking Glass dive site. However, as an intermediate dive, it's prudent to be prepared for potentially moderate currents or surge, and always check local conditions before diving.