Bellambi Point is one of the few northern Wollongong shore dives with enough depth to be interesting for scuba, reaching about 17 m off the small boat harbour. It is primarily a local's site – little is written about it beyond condition-report services and word of mouth – but it offers classic Illawarra reef habitat within a few minutes of the northern suburbs.

From the beach on the eastern side of the breakwall the bottom is very shallow for some distance before the reef begins. Kelp-covered rock and low ledges slope down to sand at 10–17 m. Blue groper, red morwong, leatherjackets, wrasse, bream and herring cale are common, and the ledges shelter Port Jackson and blind sharks. Eagle rays and stingrays forage on the sand, and flathead and whiting are found in the shallows near the beach. In winter, Port Jackson sharks congregate in greater numbers.

The site has real drawbacks that keep it off most divers' lists. The shallow approach means any surf makes entry and exit awkward, the reef breaks in modest swell, currents can run offshore, and visibility is reduced after rain by run-off and a nearby outfall. The boat ramp is busy on weekends, so divers must tow a float and keep away from its approach. On a calm, clear winter day, however, it is a pleasant and uncrowded alternative to driving south to Bass Point, and a good introduction to the lesser-known reefs of the northern Illawarra. Treat it as an experienced shore diver's site and check conditions on arrival.

From Wollongong drive north on Memorial Drive or the Princes Highway to Bellambi and follow the signs to the Bellambi boat ramp car park. Gear up at the car park and walk a short distance to the beach on the eastern side of the breakwall. The water is very shallow for some distance, so wade out carefully before finning to the reef; the boat ramp can be used as an exit if the beach is breaking.

The northern Illawarra shore sites face east and are exposed to swell from the north-east round to the south-east; southerly swell wraps around the headlands. Diving is only practical in swell under about 1 m with a low-to-mid tide on the rock platform. North-easterly sea breezes build on summer afternoons, so dive early.

Visibility is typically 5–10 m and drops sharply after rain because of creek and stormwater run-off. Winter (June–August) westerlies give the flattest seas and clearest water. Bellambi's shallow reef breaks in even modest swell, and visibility can be poor after heavy rain because of a nearby treatment-plant outfall; dive only on calm, clear days.

Wade out from the beach east of the breakwall, descend once over the reef and head east along the reef edge to 10–15 m. Turn at a third of air and return towards the breakwall, surfacing well clear of the boat ramp approach.

No regular operator; dived by local divers and spearfishers. United Divers (Fairy Meadow, 5 minutes away) is the nearest shop.