This site has a choice of dozens of dives. At the end of Jibbon Street Cronulla on the southern outskirts of Sydney there is a dive site that is extremely popular, especially on the weekends. It is a dive site that is suited for novice through to experienced divers. The local park, after which the site is named, is a great spot for a BBQ between dives. Marine life includes the friendliest Gropers, Cuttlefish, PJ's, seadragons, seahorse, turtle, Moray eels, large schools yellowtail, and the list goes on.
Entry and exit can be made from the back of the pool. However an alternative entry and exit can be made from the southern side of the pool.
Depth:
The depth ranges from 6 to 11 meters. Most dive around the 10 meter mark
Visibility
Visibility is effected by outfall from the Port Hacking River, Sometimes the visibility has been as good as 30 metres, but is usually 5-10 metres.
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For any one in Sydney wanting to dive or try diving:
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Peter Letts
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Entry and exit can be made from the back of the pool. However an alternative entry and exit can be made from the southern side of the pool. On the eastern side of the pool a rocky reef forms an area that is home to a variety of marine life. It is also this reef that produces waves that surfers find appealing. A wall about 3 meter high is part of this reef and it is this wall that divers follow.
When entering from the back of the pool, take a bearing on Jibbon point, which is to the south-east and snorkel on this bearing until the reef drops-off, a distance of around 30-40 metres. It is at this point that you descend and start the dive.
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Swim out from the entry on the Northern side of the pool taking a bearing on Jibbon point, which is to the south-east and snorkel on this bearing until the reef drops-off, a distance of around 30-40 meters. Small overhangs are found all the way along the wall. Kelp covers the shallow parts of the reef and forms a home for numerous colourful crimson-banded wrasse and leather jacket.
During the colder months, large cuttlefish frequent the area, probably looking for suitable mating partners. Friendly blue gropers follow divers around hoping for a feed. Caution must be taken when feeding due to their large teeth and powerful jaws.
Another interesting dive is to head south west from the decent point. There is a number of finger shape reefs, the careful observer can find good sponge gardens and a seahorses.
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Another interesting dive is to head south west from the decent point. There is a number of finger shape reefs, the careful observer can find good sponge gardens and a seahorses. This dive is only a shallow on (6m) but there is lots to see. So if you want a nice easy dive this one is great. It also make a good night dive
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After the descent follow the wall first heads east then gradually turns to the north. As the wall turns to the north it becomes less distinctive. However a farther 15 metres to the east another wall bears north-south but takes a sharp turn to the east at the southern end. Following this wall to the north there is a cave. The cave is marked by and old porcelain urinal.
The cave is home to a number of fish and a large school of bullseye. The side tunnel of the cave is big enough for a diver and there is a section at the end in which you can turn around. Only one diver at a time should go sown the tunnel as the resident wobbegong may require a quite retreat.
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Urinal
After the descent follow the wall first heads east then gradually turns to the north. As the wall turns to the north it becomes less distinctive. However a farther 15 metres to the east another wall bears north-south but takes a sharp turn to the east at the southern end. Following this wall to the north there is a cave. The cave is marked by and old porcelain urinal.
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The area around the cave is some of the best diving around. If you go over the top of the cave there is a series of crack and crevices. The water is normally very clear. Schools of yellow tail, Port Jackson sharks (no teeth) and a range of other fish frequents the area. If you continue north along the canyon you will come across a seadragon colony. I have seen turtle in the area on two occasions
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Dives as far as the rock pile is common with dives out to the cave being made if air consumption and conditions are favourable. Octopus and Moray eels have made their homes amongst the rocks that form the rock pile. Often schools of yellowtail swim past divers as they search in these rocks. Several beautiful species of Nudibranchs graze on the algae covered rocks and boulders. In on of the crevices near the rock pile live a beautiful Blue Devil Fish Exploring around this area can certainly fill up a whole dive and I return again and again.
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If you continue along the wall it gradually turns north and becomes less distinctive. At that time head east across 10 to 15 meters of sand until you reach the second reef. If you head north along this reef it shall take you to the cave. If you head south along the wall it will soon turn east to an area which is quite different to the rest of the area.
If sponges are what you like then don't continue along the reef at the rock pile but rather look east and follow the small pieces of reef which run north & north east in the sand from the rock pile. This will bring you out on the second reef just after the second reef begins to head east.
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During the first part of the dive the reef is the home for hydroids and sponges of all colours as well as tubeworms growing along the entire wall. All along the wall there are overhangs which are the home of the more shy creatures. During the colder months, large cuttlefish frequent the area, looking for mates. The friendly blue groper follows divers hoping for a feed. (Caution must be taken feeding them because of their large powerful jaws)
If you carefully look around the small rocks just away from the wall you will be sure to see an octopus or two. As these rocks turn into boulders Red Morwong hang as if hiding from the fishermen. This area is distinctive for a small swim through and a Giant split rock running East-West. This "Split rock" is the most distinctive landmark and is always good to confirm your location.
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The Split Rock is a Great Land Mark
In this area Red Morwong hang as if hiding from the fishermen. This area is distinctive for a small swim through and a Giant split rock running East-West. This "Split rock" is the most distinctive landmark and is always good to confirm your location.
After swimming through he swim through or over the split rock you enter an area which is an extremely pretty Sponge gardens. Looking closely into many of these sponges reveals baby eels. While looking along the low level wall reveals some of their bigger brothers. As you continue on you come to the "Rock Pile"
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After swimming through he swim through or over the split rock you enter an area which is an extremely pretty Sponge gardens. Looking closely into many of these sponges reveals baby eels. While looking along the low level wall reveals some of their bigger brothers. As you continue on you come to the "Rock Pile"
Dives as far as the rock pile is common with dives out to the cave being made if air consumption and conditions are favourable. Octopus and Moray eels have made their homes amongst the rocks that form the rock pile. Often schools of yellowtail swim past divers as they search in these rocks. Several beautiful species of Nudibranchs graze on the algae covered rocks and boulders. In on of the crevices near the rock pile live a beautiful Blue Devil Fish Exploring around this area can certainly fill up a whole dive and I return again and again.
As you swim south the reef then turns east and the wall increases in depth. The visibility is normally best in this area. The schools of yellowtail are massive and the numbers of fish increase. In this area there are colonies of seadragons and the occasional seahorse.
This dive requires a reasonable amount of fin work, but it is well worth the effort. This is one place where I always get the feeling of flying. Because of the distance covered it is important to keep your eye on your air, and ensure you allow plenty of air for the return trip. It is possible to circumnavigate the second reef and come around to the cave from the north. Such a trip is not within the capabilities of a standard dive and is best achieved with scooters.
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