New South Wales · 10 sites
Shoalhaven Coast dive sites
Between Jervis Bay and Ulladulla, the Shoalhaven's headlands at Currarong, Culburra and Bendalong have wrecks, caves and reefs that are dived far less than their neighbours. The wreck of the Merimbula at Currarong is a shallow shore dive on a 1928 steamer, and Beecroft Peninsula's outer walls are boat dives for experienced divers.
- Sites
- 10
- Wrecks
- 5
- Shore
- 3
- Boat
- 3
- Beginner
- 5
- Deepest
- 50 m
Conditions outlook · Late September – October 2026
Written 27 September 2026The Shoalhaven's ocean reefs need the light spring westerlies; Currarong and Culburra shore sites are workable on those mornings in 15–16 °C water. Jervis Bay next door is the sheltered fallback.
Getting there
Two and a half hours from Sydney. Shore entries at Currarong and Bendalong; boat dives via Huskisson or Ulladulla operators.
When to go
Autumn and winter on westerly winds.
Water & suit
Summer 19-23 °C · winter 14-17 °C. 5–7 mm wetsuit with hood in summer–autumn; 7 mm semi-dry or drysuit June–October
Nearest chamber: Prince of Wales Hospital (Randwick, Sydney) – approx. 3 h by road from Jervis Bay; call 000 and DAN Asia-Pacific hotline (evacuation usually by air)
Most recorded marine life in Shoalhaven Coast
- Leatherjackets 6
- Bream 5
- Luderick 5
- Blue groper 4
- Wrasse 3
- Drummer 2
- Rays 2
- Sea stars 2
- Small reef fish 2
- Australian salmon 1
- Blue damsels 1
- Crabs 1
- Cuttlefish 1
- Flathead 1
Plan a dive trip to Shoalhaven Coast →Find your diveCompare the top 4 side by sideNew diver? Start here
The most-dived sites in Shoalhaven Coast
Suggested trip
A 3-day dive trip to Shoalhaven Coast
Built from the sites in this region: an easy start, the signature dives, then something deeper or further. Swap days around the weather; the site pages say which winds and swell close each one.
Build your own Shoalhaven Coast plan: pick days, level and must-dive sites →Day 1 · Settle in
Start with Shoalhaven Coast's easier shore dives: check your weighting, get used to the water temperature and dive the sheltered side of the coast.
- TSS MerimbulaWreck · Max 14 m · Open Water
- Abrahams Bosom ReserveShore/Rock Platform · Depth not published · Snorkel/Any
Day 2 · The signature dives
A charter day on the sites people travel to Shoalhaven Coast for, including SS Corangamite.
- SS CorangamiteWreck · Depth not published · Open Water
- Hive Wreck SiteWreck · Max 2 m · Snorkel/Any
Day 3 · Deeper or further
For divers with the certification and the weather: the deeper walls, pinnacles or less-visited sites of Shoalhaven Coast.
- Sir John Young BanksSeamount · Max 50 m · Technical (decompression)
- Shoalhaven Offshore Artificial ReefArtificial Reef · Max 33 m · Deep/Advanced + experience
Dive centres and charters in Shoalhaven Coast
All New South Wales operators →Operators recorded as running sites in this region. Each profile lists the specific sites it goes to.
Map of Shoalhaven Coast dive sites
Click a pin for the site. 5 sites without published coordinates are not shown.
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5 pinned sites. Pins marked approximate on their pages show the general area only; not for navigation.
All 10 Shoalhaven Coast dive sites
All Shoalhaven Coast sites at a glance
10 sites in Shoalhaven Coast · click a column to sort
| Abrahams Bosom Reserve | Shore/Rock Platform | Depth not published | Snorkel/Any | Shore | Rare |
| Flat Rock (North Bendalong) | Shore/Rock Platform | Depth not published | Snorkel/Any | Shore | Rare |
| Hive Wreck Site | Wreck | Max 2 m | Snorkel/Any | Shore | Rare |
| Lobster Bay | Shore/Rock Platform | Max 6 m | Snorkel/Any | Shore | Rare |
| Shoalhaven Offshore Artificial Reef | Artificial Reef | Max 33 m | Deep/Advanced + experience | Boat | Rare |
| Sir John Young Banks | Seamount | Max 50 m | Technical (decompression) | Boat (day trip) | Expedition |
| SS Corangamite | Wreck | Depth not published | Open Water | Boat | Rare |
| SS Plutus | Wreck | Depth not published | Snorkel/Any | Shore | Rare |
| TSS Merimbula | Wreck | Max 14 m | Open Water | Shore or Boat | Occasional |
| Walter Hood | Wreck | Max 5 m | Open Water | Shore or Boat | Rare |
Shoalhaven Coast diving FAQ
How do I get to the dive sites in Shoalhaven Coast?
Two and a half hours from Sydney. Shore entries at Currarong and Bendalong; boat dives via Huskisson or Ulladulla operators.
When is the best time to dive Shoalhaven Coast?
Autumn and winter on westerly winds.
How many dive sites are there in Shoalhaven Coast?
10 documented sites, including 5 wrecks and 3 that can be dived independently from the shore. The deepest reaches 50 m.
Are there beginner dive sites in Shoalhaven Coast?
Yes, 5 sites are rated beginner. Look for the green Beginner tag in the list below, and check the weather notes on each page before diving.
How cold is the water in Shoalhaven Coast?
Typically 19-23 °C in summer and 14-17 °C in winter. Most divers wear 5–7 mm wetsuit with hood in summer–autumn; 7 mm semi-dry or drysuit June–October.
Which dive centres operate in Shoalhaven Coast?
Dive Jervis Bay are recorded as running sites in Shoalhaven Coast. Each site page lists the operators known to go there.
Where is the nearest recompression chamber to Shoalhaven Coast?
Prince of Wales Hospital (Randwick, Sydney) – approx. 3 h by road from Jervis Bay; call 000 and DAN Asia-Pacific hotline (evacuation usually by air). In an emergency call 000, then DAN Asia-Pacific on 1800 088 200.
Other regions in New South Wales