Meet the site
Bawley Point was once a busy sawmilling village. Timber was loaded onto coastal steamers from a jetty and gantry on the point, and the remains of that structure – bolts, pylons and scattered ironwork – are what give the dive its local name, The Gantry. Dive Adventures Ulladulla lists it as a historical shore dive with a maximum depth of 11 m and a standard depth of 6–8 m. The Marine Life Network describes the fringing reef and rubble around the old jetty at about 12 m as good for macro photography. Spirit Divers' site guide notes remains visible above and below the waterline and plenty of marine life.
The bottom is a mix of rubble, sand, low reef and old mill debris rather than dramatic topography. That mix makes good habitat for small animals. Divers commonly see rays, small sharks such as Port Jackson and wobbegongs, bream, octopus, nudibranchs, shrimps and weedy sea dragons over the kelp and sand edges. Old timber and iron make hides for blennies, gobies and crabs, and at night octopus and cuttlefish are active.
This is an easy, shallow site that suits new divers, training and photographers looking for macro subjects. Its north-east aspect means it is diveable in southerly weather when the offshore Ulladulla sites and exposed beaches are closed. The point is about 25 km south of Ulladulla, so divers usually come independently or with a shop-guided shore dive. Do not expect big fish or walls; expect a long, relaxed dive with some local history.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bawley Point is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Ulladulla. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Bawley Point 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 Bawley Point 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
Weedy sea dragons, rays, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, bream, octopus, nudibranchs, shrimps, cuttlefish, blennies
Location
Shore dive around the remains of the old timber-mill jetty (the Gantry) at Bawley Point, about 25 km south of Ulladulla; fringing reef and rubble to 11–13 m.
Facilities nearby
Parking at the end of Tingira Drive; general store and cafe in Bawley Point village; nearest air fills Ulladulla.
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
spiritdiversdotcomdotau.wordpress.commarinelife.org.audiveadventuresulladulla.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.