Meet the site
Bombora Reef rises from the sandy floor of the bay entrance off Longnose Point towards Bowen Island. As the name suggests, the top comes close to the surface – under 5 m – and waves can break on it in swell. What makes the site interesting is its stepped structure: from the flat top the reef descends through four distinct walls, the first to 10 m among massive boulders and swim-throughs, the second to 12 m, the third to 18 m, and a final, less steep drop to sand at about 24 m.
The walls are covered in sponges, sea squirts and gorgonians, and the boulders and swim-throughs shelter leatherjackets, weedy sea dragons, silver sweep, yellowtail, striped seapike and one-spot pullers. Giant cuttlefish are common – McFadyen records one diver describing a very aggressive individual, presumably a territorial male in the winter breeding season.
Operators typically run it as a live-boat drop: divers exit 'parachute commando style' as the boat passes over the reef, descend the eastern walls, follow the sand north and return over the western walls with their large swim-throughs. The profile is flexible, so it suits Open Water divers who stay on the upper steps as well as Advanced divers who explore the sand. It is useful as a secondary site when the offshore seas are too big, as long as swell is not hitting the reef directly. Divers should be aware of breaking water on the top when surfacing and keep clear of it, deploying an SMB so the boat can find them away from the reef.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bombora Reef is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Jervis 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.
- 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 Bombora Reef 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 Bombora Reef 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
Giant cuttlefish, weedy sea dragons, leatherjackets, silver sweep, yellowtail, striped seapike, one-spot pullers, sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians
Location
Stepped reef off Longnose Point towards Bowen Island rising from 24 m sand in four walls to a flat top under 5 m, with big boulders and swim-throughs.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson: Dive Jervis Bay shop (air, nitrox, hire), cafés and parking; Huskisson, Callala and Murrays ramps.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.