Meet the site
Bonito Reef is a compact ridge of reef off Crackneck Point, the forested headland in Wyrrabalong National Park between Forresters Beach and Bateau Bay. Muddy Puddle Diver records that it was discovered while fishing and describes it as a finger of reef, a ridge running roughly east-west, with the top at 21 m and the base at 25 m. The Terrigal Underwater Group lists it at 25 m and praises its excellent structure, many nudibranchs and good fish life. The ridge form makes for easy navigation: one side out, the other side back. Along the flanks the rock is undercut, with ledges and small overhangs where bullseyes, one-spot pullers and cardinalfish shelter. The top is cloaked in sponges, ascidians and encrusting growth, and it is here, and on the vertical sides, that the site's nudibranch reputation is earned - several species can be found on a single dive by divers who slow down and look closely. Fish life is good for the size of the reef, because an isolated ridge on sand concentrates fish. Yellowtail and silver sweep school above the top, red morwong and blue groper patrol the edges, wobbegongs lie at the base, and in warmer water there is a chance of the pelagics - bonito, kingfish and trevally - that probably gave the reef its name among fishers. At 21-25 m it suits Advanced divers, or Open Water divers with a guide who are comfortable at depth, and it offers enough time at depth for photographers to work. It is a good choice when the Adelaide is busy or divers want a reef with real relief and a strong macro component.
What you might see
Nudibranchs (many species), sponges, ascidians, bullseyes, one-spot pullers, cardinalfish, yellowtail, silver sweep, red morwong, eastern blue groper, wobbegong sharks, seasonal bonito and kingfish
Location
A finger-shaped ridge of reef running roughly east-west off Crackneck Point, south of Bateau Bay, with the top at 21 m and sand at 25 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Terrigal Haven: paid parking, toilets, kiosk and dive shop.
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
muddypuddlediver.comterrigalunderwatergroup.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.