Meet the site
Broulee Island is a small nature reserve connected to Broulee Beach by a sand spit, midway between Batemans Bay and Moruya. The Marine Life Network lists it as a 20 m boat dive with rocky reef on the seaward side, boulders and drop-offs in the 10–20 m range and temperate marine life, noting that westerly weather is needed. The Nature Coast Marine Group lists the northern side as a sanctuary-zone snorkel site suitable for novices (though it involves a long walk). It describes porcupinefish, sandy habitat, seagrass lagoons suitable for children, kelp, luderick, yellowfin bream, drummer, red morwong and wrasses.
The seaward reef is the dive: large boulders and drop-offs covered in kelp above and sponges and sea squirts below, with gutters and ledges. Expect blue groper, red morwong, sweep, yellowtail and drummer, with wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks and eastern blue devilfish under the ledges. Rays are common on the sand at the base of the reef. The sheltered northern side is gentler, with seagrass and kelp in shallow water.
The island suits divers with a boat on a calm westerly day, and snorkellers on the protected northern side. It is part of the Broulee area, which includes the popular shore-dive cave at South Broulee, documented separately. The sanctuary zone around the island prohibits fishing and collecting, so the fish are plentiful. Because the only dive description is brief, depths here are indicative. The island is a short walk from Broulee's cafés and surf club, which makes it an easy family outing on a calm day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Broulee Island is recorded as Island in Batemans Bay. The listed access is shore or 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.
- 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 Broulee Island 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 Broulee Island 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, sweep, yellowtail, drummer, luderick, yellowfin bream, porcupinefish, wrasses, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, eastern blue devilfish, rays, kelp, seagrass
Location
Island nature reserve at Broulee joined to the beach by a sand spit; seaward rocky reef of boulders and drop-offs to 20 m (boat dive), and sheltered northern snorkelling in a sanctuary zone.
Facilities nearby
Toilets and showers at Broulee Surf Club; Tomakin boat ramp; cafés in Broulee.
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
marinelife.org.auncmg.org.aunsw.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.