Bannister Head (often called Bannisters Point) is the headland at the northern end of Mollymook Beach, a few minutes' drive north of Ulladulla. The Marine Life Network lists Southern Bannister Head as a shore dive of 6–20 m that is protected from northerly winds and has a good representation of temperate reef fish. The southern side of the headland drops from a rock platform into shallow kelp-covered reef, which gives way to boulders and ledges before meeting sand in the mid-teens to about 20 m.

The reef is typical of the Ulladulla coast: crayweed and kelp in the shallows, urchin barrens and boulder fields deeper, and sponges and sea squirts on shaded rock. Fish life includes eastern blue groper, red morwong, eastern rock blackfish, luderick, silver sweep, leatherjackets and schools of yellowtail, with wobbegongs, eastern blue devilfish and occasional weedy sea dragons among the boulders. Summer sometimes brings tropical juveniles.

This is a practical option for local shore divers and visitors. It is close to Mollymook's accommodation and cafes and useful in the north-easterly weather that is common in summer. The rock entry means it suits divers who are confident on a platform and can judge swell, rather than beginners. There is little detailed published description, so depth and layout information here is indicative, and divers should inspect the entry and reef from the headland first. A boat approach from Ulladulla Harbour avoids the rock scramble, and on a calm day the outer reef off the headland can be reached in a few minutes from the harbour mouth. Keep clear of anglers on the platform.

From Ulladulla drive north on the Princes Highway and turn right to Mollymook, following Mitchell Parade north along the beach towards Bannisters Head. Park near the headland (Bannisters Point Lodge area or the end of Mitchell Parade) and walk down to the rock platform on the southern side. Choose a sheltered entry gully and only enter when the swell is small.

Boats reach it in five to ten minutes north from Ulladulla Harbour.

The southern side of the headland is sheltered from northerly and north-easterly winds, which makes it a summer option when sea breezes blow out other sites. It is fully exposed to southerly and south-easterly swell and should be avoided in any southerly change or swell above about 1 m, when entry and exit from the rocks becomes dangerous. Check the platform for surge before gearing up.

Visibility falls after rain.

Enter from a sheltered gully on the southern side, swim out over the shallow kelp and descend on the reef, following it seaward to the sand edge at 15–20 m. Turn at half gas and return along a shallower contour, surfacing near the entry point to check the exit before swimming in.

Listed by the Marine Life Network as an Ulladulla shore dive; Dive Adventures Ulladulla can guide shore dives in the area on request. No scheduled boat trips.