Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) - Sydney & New South Wales

Red Buoy gives you a decent drift, starting deep along a wall that drops beyond our typical recreational limits, though we often keep it to 27m here. It's a channel dive, so the current often plays a starring role, ushering you past a mix of corals and outcroppings. We’ve spotted plenty of red-toothed triggerfish here, along with emperor and surgeonfish hanging around the reef. Keep an eye on the blue too, because you never know what might cruise by. It's a site for those comfortable with a bit of movement, offering a solid dive without being overly dramatic.

Location
Sydney & New South Wales, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-33.278500, 151.569000
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Bird Island

Nearby Dive Sites in Sydney & New South Wales

Nearest Dive Centres to Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)

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 is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)?
At Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay), divers can expect a typical maximum depth of 6 meters. However, as you explore towards the point of the wall, the depth can extend to a maximum of 14 meters. This makes it a versatile site for various skill levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)?
Divers at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) will encounter a diverse underwater landscape featuring a wall dive with a sandy bottom, as well as rocks and sea kelp to explore. The marine life is abundant, including stingrays, octopus, nudibranchs, sea hares, star fish, cuttlefish, and vibrant schools of little fish. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay), and is it suitable for beginners?
Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) is considered a beginner dive site, making it perfect for open water courses. While the site is generally suitable for new divers, it is also classified as an intermediate drift dive. This combination offers a great learning environment for those building their skills.
When is the best time of year or day to dive Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) for optimal conditions and marine life?
Unfortunately, the provided data for Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) does not specify the best time of year or day for optimal diving conditions or marine life. For general information on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive guide helpful. We recommend checking local dive operator reports for current conditions.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)?
Given that Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) is described as a beginner dive site and perfect for open water courses, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. Divers undergoing their certification training can also enjoy this site under instructor supervision. No advanced certifications are explicitly required for the typical depths here.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like for diving at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)?
Diving at Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay) is characterized as a drift dive, indicating that currents are typically present. The average visibility at this site is around 6 meters. Divers should be prepared for these conditions to fully enjoy the experience.