Meet the site
The Not So Deep Wall is McFadyen's name for the sand-edge reef that lies between the classic Bare Island Right route and the Deep Wall proper – a line of large boulders and overhangs at 14–16 m running north-west to Sea Horse Corner, deep enough to be clearer and quieter than the training zones but not as committing as the 15–19 m Deep Wall. Three entries lead to it: the island's western point on very calm days, the natural Pool between the rock formations, and the ordinary boat-ramp start using a gully known as The Shortcut. Whichever you use, the routes converge on the sand edge at about 14 m where the boulders begin. The wall itself is a mix of big rocks, undercuts and kelp beds with sponges on the vertical faces, and the interest is the same as on the neighbouring reefs: Sydney pygmy pipehorses on the algae, big-belly seahorses on the sponges, cuttlefish in the gaps, and the usual Bare Island fish along the edge. Its real purpose is as a stepping stone. McFadyen explicitly advises completing the Bare Island Right and 15 Metre Reef dives first unless accompanied by someone who knows the site, because the reefs here run in all directions and it is easy to get lost, and because currents in the 14–16 m zone – notably around Sea Horse Corner – often flow against expectation. Minimum dive time is around 50 minutes and experienced divers stretch it to 90, so a large tank is essential. The safety rule that governs all the outer Bare Island routes applies with force here: if lost, never ascend; head north-east until you reach the island or the mainland and surface only in water shallower than three metres. Done with a knowledgeable buddy it is a fine long dive on the quieter side of Sydney's busiest site.
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 – Not So Deep Wall is recorded as Wall 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 – Not So Deep Wall 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 – Not So Deep Wall 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
Sydney pygmy pipehorse, big-belly seahorse, cuttlefish, weedy seadragon, blue groper, leatherjackets, sponges, kelp
Location
Sand-edge reef wall of large boulders and overhangs at about 14–16 m west of Bare Island, between the Right reef and the Deep Wall, running north-west to Sea Horse Corner.
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.
