Meet the site
Blue Devil Reef was discovered in mid-February 2009 when McFadyen was trying to relocate a different site and found this reef instead. It lies about a kilometre just south of east from the Port Hacking entrance, close to the Jibbon reef complex. Running in from the north, the sandy bottom at about 25 m rises to reef at 20 m and then 17 m. The reef is oriented east–west. Its southern section has a small wall that curves around to the east, with small overhangs, and it links via the wall to a higher section of reef. Along the sand edge to the east, after 30–40 m, is a higher section of wall that carries a lot of sponges and sea squirts, with small overhangs and gaps between small rocks. The name comes from the eastern blue devilfish living in the overhangs, one of the most attractive fish on Sydney reefs, and the gaps shelter a variety of other reef fish. Typical Port Hacking offshore species – one-spot pullers, silver sweep, yellowtail, leatherjackets and red morwong – are likely to be seen over the reef. The layout is simple: follow the wall north for about 50 m until it fades, or go east along the sand to the higher wall. Bottom time is 25–30 minutes depending on how long divers stay deep. Like the other reefs outside Port Hacking, it has no charter service and is dived by private boats and the St George Scuba Club. It suits Advanced divers wanting a straightforward reef dive close to the ramps and is a good alternative when the fast-food reefs are occupied.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Blue Devil Reef (Port Hacking) is recorded as Reef in Sydney South & Botany Bay. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Blue Devil Reef (Port Hacking) 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 Blue Devil Reef (Port Hacking) 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
Eastern blue devilfish, sponges, sea squirts, one-spot puller, silver sweep, yellowtail, leatherjackets, red morwong
Location
East–west reef about 1 km just south of east from the Port Hacking entrance, with a small curving wall and overhangs; sand at 25 m, reef 17–20 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure only: Port Hacking ramps – Tonkin Park/Gunnamatta Bay (Cronulla), Lilli Pilli, Bundeena – with parking and toilets; air/nitrox at Pro Dive 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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
