Meet the site
Burrill Rocks is the signature dive of Ulladulla and one of the best temperate reef dives on the NSW coast. A group of rock outcrops rises from a sand floor about a kilometre offshore, south of Ulladulla Harbour and opposite the entrance to Burrill Lake. The northern wall tops out at 9–10 m, while the southern side drops beyond 23 m to sand. What sets it apart is the terrain: the rocks have split and collapsed into a jumble of boulders, leaving canyons and caves between them. Most caves are only a metre or two wide, but several are large, and many link up so you can move from one to the next with an exit never far away.
The best-known feature is the Arch, a larger cave entrance that is usually full of hundreds of silver sweep hanging in the gloom. North of the usual anchoring area the main cave system runs through the boulder field; to the south, another cave and tunnel open onto a sheer wall that is the dive's other highlight. Overhangs throughout are packed with fish: yellowtail, one-spot pullers, red morwong, eastern rock blackfish, luderick and the endemic eastern blue devilfish, which sits in most dark recesses. Old man snapper (Tasmanian trumpeter) are occasionally seen. Walls and cave ceilings carry sponges, sea squirts and small gorgonians.
Michael McFadyen rates it alongside Fish Rock Cave and the Poor Knights as one of the best temperate dives he has done, and the local shop lists it as its headline site. Visibility is often good by South Coast standards. The dive suits competent Open Water divers who have good buoyancy and are comfortable in overhead environments with daylight exits. Those who prefer to stay in open water can have an equally good dive following the walls. It can be dived several times without repeating a route, and a current running west gives the option of an easy drift along the rocks.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Burrill Rocks is recorded as Reef in Ulladulla. 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.
- 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Burrill Rocks 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 Burrill Rocks 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
Silver sweep (large schools in the Arch), yellowtail scad, one-spot pullers, red morwong, eastern rock blackfish, luderick, eastern blue devilfish, old man snapper (Tasmanian trumpeter), wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians
Location
Cluster of rock outcrops about 1 km offshore and just over 4 km south of Ulladulla Harbour, off the mouth of Burrill Lake; walls from 9–10 m on top to more than 23 m on the southern side, riddled with caves and swim-throughs.
Facilities nearby
Ulladulla Harbour boat ramp, toilets and parking; air fills at Dive Adventures Ulladulla.
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.infomarinelife.org.audiveadventuresulladulla.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.