Meet the site
Admiralty is the gentle, sheltered option among the Moon Island dives. Grey Nurse Charters describes shallow kelp beds grading into rocky reef with small caves, to about 18 m, sheltered from southerly seas and with historic anchors on the bottom. The north and north-west sides of Moon Island are described in iNaturalist's notes as kelp-covered rocky reefs, in contrast to the walls and caves on the exposed south and east. The kelp is the first part of the dive. The canopy of Ecklonia sways in any swell, and underneath it red morwong, luderick, mado, silver sweep and wrasse move through the stalks, with cuttlefish, octopus and weedy seadragons possible. Further out the reef becomes more rocky, with ledges and small caves that shelter bullseyes, pomfrets and wobbegongs. The anchors give the dive a historical thread. The site name hints at the Admiralty-pattern anchors of the nineteenth century, and Swansea's position at the entrance to Lake Macquarie - once a busy coal port with a notoriously dangerous bar - means ships would have anchored off the heads waiting for a tide. Finding the anchors among the kelp and rock is a nice challenge for a guided dive. With depths mostly under 18 m, plenty of light and shelter from the prevailing southerlies, Admiralty suits Open Water divers, training dives and relaxed second dives. It is less dramatic than The Temple or Under the Tube but reliable when the weather is wrong for the eastern side of the island. It is also a good site for a first night dive at Moon Island, as the kelp comes alive with cuttlefish and octopus after dark.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Admiralty (Moon Island) is recorded as Reef in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Admiralty (Moon Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Admiralty (Moon Island) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Kelp (Ecklonia), red morwong, luderick, mado, silver sweep, wrasse, cuttlefish, octopus, weedy seadragons, bullseyes, ladder-finned pomfrets, wobbegong sharks
Location
A kelp and rocky reef site near Moon Island, to about 18 m, sheltered from southerly seas, with small caves and historic anchors.
Facilities nearby
Departs Swansea (Black Neds Bay ramp): parking, toilets; air fills in Swansea.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
greynurse.com.auinaturalist.ala.org.augreynurse.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.