Meet the site
Bass and Flinders Point, named for the explorers who sailed into Port Hacking in the Tom Thumb in 1796, marks the southern tip of the Cronulla peninsula. McFadyen calls it one of Sydney's easiest but still interesting dives – with the honest caveat that he has rarely returned since the early 1990s except for night dives or to see its famous baby sharks. The underwater topography is simple. There is little reef: the rock platform drops quickly to the sand, and the reef edge is shallow, perhaps 3–4 m, and never more than about 5–6 m deep, extending only a few metres from the platform. The standard route follows the reef edge east. After about 30 m divers reach the remains of a car, a mid-1980s Ford, and beyond it the reef trends north-east and then north. The sand is productive for small creatures: flathead, blue swimmer crabs, striped dumpling squid, sole and cuttlefish are common, and at night octopus and small rays come out. The real reason to visit is October. In early to mid-October the sand off the point fills with newly hatched Port Jackson sharks – McFadyen once counted well over 100 on one dive, each only about two fingers wide – spread across at least 50 m to the east and back north to the reef. Timing varies year to year (in 2009 they were absent early in the month but present by the second week), so check recent reports. The site also forms the end of the Oak Park to Bass and Flinders drift. The steep walk back up Gowie Street after the dive is the main downside. It suits beginners, night divers and anyone wanting to see baby sharks.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bass and Flinders Point (Cronulla) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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.
- 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 Bass and Flinders Point (Cronulla) 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 Bass and Flinders Point (Cronulla) 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
Port Jackson shark hatchlings (October), flathead, blue swimmer crab, striped dumpling squid, sole, cuttlefish, octopus, rays
Location
Easy shallow shore dive at the southern tip of the Cronulla peninsula off the end of Gowie Street, where a narrow reef edge drops to sand at 4–6 m; famous for baby Port Jackson sharks in October.
Facilities nearby
Street parking on Gowie Street (no facilities at the point); toilets and barbecues at nearby Oak Park; air/nitrox at Pro Dive Cronulla (Gerrale Street, Cronulla) and Abyss (Ramsgate).
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
