Bannister Head

Meet the site

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.

What you might see

Eastern blue groper, red morwong, eastern rock blackfish, luderick, silver sweep, yellowtail, leatherjackets, wobbegongs, eastern blue devilfish, weedy sea dragons, kelp, sponges

Location

Headland at the northern end of Mollymook Beach, 2–3 km north of Ulladulla; the reef on its southern side is protected from northerly winds and dived from shore or boat.

Facilities nearby

Street parking near the headland; toilets, cafes and accommodation at Mollymook; air fills at Dive Adventures Ulladulla.