The old cannery wharf in Cattle Bay is a remnant of Eden's fishing history: fish canneries operated here for much of the 20th century, supplied by the Twofold Bay fleet. The wharf is now one of the shore dives guided by Sapphire Coast Scuba, which lists Cannery Wharf among its sites, and Dive Eden also runs wharf dives in Twofold Bay.

Old wharves are some of the best macro habitats in temperate NSW. The pylons are covered in sponges, ascidians, hydroids and mussels that support nudibranchs, sea hares, shrimps, crabs and pipefish. Seahorses, weedy sea dragons, octopus and cuttlefish are typical of Sapphire Coast wharves, and stingrays, fiddler rays and flathead lie on the sand. Schools of bream, luderick, leatherjackets and baitfish gather in the shade, and seals may visit from the harbour.

The site suits macro photographers and night divers, ideally with a local guide who knows the access and which areas are safe. The depth is shallow and conditions are usually calm. Watch for fishing lines, and respect private property around the foreshore. Combined with Snug Cove and Quarantine Bay, it gives Eden several easy options on days when the open coast is rough. A torch is essential for looking under the wharf, even on bright days, and a macro lens will get the most from the small animals on the pylons. Night dives are especially good.

Cattle Bay is just north-west of Snug Cove in Eden, below the former fish cannery (now redeveloped). From the town centre, follow the roads down towards the harbour and Cattle Bay; parking is limited. Sapphire Coast Scuba, based at 203 Imlay Street, guides dives here ('Cannery Wharf'), and Dive Eden runs wharf dives – contact them for current access, as parts of the foreshore are private.

Cattle Bay is on the northern side of Twofold Bay and sheltered from southerly swell; strong easterly swell and wind reduce visibility and cause surge around the pylons. Visibility is best after settled westerly weather and poor after rain. Excellent at night in calm conditions.

Enter beside the wharf and work slowly along and under the pylons at 3–8 m, looking for seahorses, nudibranchs and octopus, then explore the surrounding sand and rubble before returning. Keep clear of fishing lines and exit where you entered.

Sapphire Coast Scuba guides fun dives at Cannery Wharf; Dive Eden lists Twofold Bay wharf dives.