Meet the site
Bass Point Bommie is a reef pinnacle that rises from the channel between Bass Point and Bass Point Island to within a few metres of the surface. The channel on the Bass Point side is 23–25 m deep, the saddle between the bommie and the island is only 5–8 m, and the southern face drops as a sheer wall in places, with a ledge at 15–18 m in others. North of the bommie the wall splits into two arms, one running north-east and the other wrapping around the pinnacle.
That structure concentrates fish in impressive numbers. Huge schools of yellowtail, seapike, one-spot pullers and nannygai hang off the walls, and large bream, luderick and blackfish work the shallower rock. Big rays, bull rays and eagle rays cruise the channel, boarfish tuck under the ledges, and in late summer tropical visitors such as Moorish idols appear. The walls carry sponges and encrusting growth typical of Bass Point's outer reefs.
The dive is flexible: it can be done as a deeper wall dive along the southern face or as a shallower circuit of the pinnacle, and the channel provides an easy navigation reference. The one serious caution is the top of the bommie, which breaks even in slight seas. Divers need to know where it is at all times and avoid surfacing near it, where they can be caught and rolled by a wave. Plan the ascent on the anchor line or in the sheltered water on the western side. In small swell and good visibility it is one of the most fish-rich dives in the Illawarra.
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 Point Bommie is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Wollongong & Kiama. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Point Bommie 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 Bass Point Bommie 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
Yellowtail, striped seapike, one-spot pullers, nannygai, bream, luderick, blackfish, rays, bull rays, eagle rays, boarfish, Moorish idols (seasonal), sponges
Location
Bombora rising to a few metres below the surface between Bass Point and Bass Point Island, with a sheer southern wall and a 23–25 m channel on its inside.
Facilities nearby
Shellharbour Marina: modern boat ramp, trailer parking, toilets, cafés. Air and nitrox at Shellharbour Scuba and Photography Centre (Shellharbour Village).
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
