Meet the site
Bellambi Point is one of the few northern Wollongong shore dives with enough depth to be interesting for scuba, reaching about 17 m off the small boat harbour. It is primarily a local's site – little is written about it beyond condition-report services and word of mouth – but it offers classic Illawarra reef habitat within a few minutes of the northern suburbs.
From the beach on the eastern side of the breakwall the bottom is very shallow for some distance before the reef begins. Kelp-covered rock and low ledges slope down to sand at 10–17 m. Blue groper, red morwong, leatherjackets, wrasse, bream and herring cale are common, and the ledges shelter Port Jackson and blind sharks. Eagle rays and stingrays forage on the sand, and flathead and whiting are found in the shallows near the beach. In winter, Port Jackson sharks congregate in greater numbers.
The site has real drawbacks that keep it off most divers' lists. The shallow approach means any surf makes entry and exit awkward, the reef breaks in modest swell, currents can run offshore, and visibility is reduced after rain by run-off and a nearby outfall. The boat ramp is busy on weekends, so divers must tow a float and keep away from its approach. On a calm, clear winter day, however, it is a pleasant and uncrowded alternative to driving south to Bass Point, and a good introduction to the lesser-known reefs of the northern Illawarra. Treat it as an experienced shore diver's site and check conditions on arrival.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bellambi Point is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Wollongong & Kiama. 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 Bellambi 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 Bellambi 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
Blue groper, red morwong, leatherjackets, wrasse, bream, herring cale, Port Jackson sharks, blind sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, flathead, whiting
Location
Reef off the small Bellambi boat harbour breakwall, about 7 km north of Wollongong CBD; beach entry on the eastern side of the breakwall onto kelp and rocky reef.
Facilities nearby
Bellambi boat ramp car park and toilets; air fills at United Divers (Fairy Meadow).
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
vizzbud.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
