Meet the site
The Isolated Reefs are two oval outcrops sitting alone on the sand north-west of the main Bare Island reef, and for many regulars they are the best part of the site. Isolated Reef One runs west-north-west, is 60–70 m long and 30–35 m wide, with walls on its northern side reaching 18–19 m; Isolated Reef Two, 20–30 m further on, is larger and deeper, mostly at 19 m on the sand at high tide, and is cut by cracks, holes, bays and rocky outcrops. Both are smothered in sponges, sea squirts and gorgonians, and both are littered with the debris of a century of fishing boats – anchors, rope and chain, fibreglass hull sections, old Admiralty anchors and metal objects. The fish and critter life is rich: kingfish schools sweep through, seapike, sweep, trevally, yellowtail and one-spot pullers hang over the reefs, luderick and old wives shelter in the bays, flathead up to 1.25 m lie on the sand, and the reefs are reliable for big-belly seahorses, red Indianfish and painted anglerfish. Weedy seadragons were once abundant here and are still seen, though less often since 2009. The dive is an exercise in navigation. From the mainland platform west of the main car park it is an 8–10 minute compass swim over featureless sand to Reef One, and the La Perouse–Kurnell power cables deflect compasses nearby; from the island it is a longer swim along the Right reef. Current in the 16–19 m band on big tides can be strong and contrary. McFadyen recommends 30–35 minutes on the reefs, 45–60 minutes total, an 11–12 L tank and a safety stop because of the depth. For advanced divers comfortable with navigation it is a quieter, clearer, deeper Bare Island with the same macro and more fish.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bare Island – Isolated Reefs is recorded as Reef in Sydney South & Botany Bay. The listed access is shore. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Bare Island – Isolated Reefs suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Bare Island – Isolated Reefs 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
Big-belly seahorse, red Indianfish, painted anglerfish, weedy seadragon (less common since 2009), kingfish, flathead (to 1.25 m), seapike, silver sweep, trevally, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, luderick, old wife, sponges, gorgonians
Location
Two oval sponge-covered reefs 20–30 m apart on the sand north-west of the main Bare Island reef; Reef One 11–19 m, 60–70 m long, Reef Two larger and deeper at 15–19 m.
Facilities nearby
Free parking on Anzac Parade and the La Perouse loop (fills by 8 am on weekends), toilets at La Perouse, cafés and fish and chips at the loop, gear-up on the grass above the bridge; air fills at Abyss (Ramsgate) and Sydney Dive Academy (Matraville).
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
