Meet the site
The old cannery wharf in Cattle Bay is a remnant of Eden's fishing history: fish canneries operated here for much of the 20th century, supplied by the Twofold Bay fleet. The wharf is now one of the shore dives guided by Sapphire Coast Scuba, which lists Cannery Wharf among its sites, and Dive Eden also runs wharf dives in Twofold Bay.
Old wharves are some of the best macro habitats in temperate NSW. The pylons are covered in sponges, ascidians, hydroids and mussels that support nudibranchs, sea hares, shrimps, crabs and pipefish. Seahorses, weedy sea dragons, octopus and cuttlefish are typical of Sapphire Coast wharves, and stingrays, fiddler rays and flathead lie on the sand. Schools of bream, luderick, leatherjackets and baitfish gather in the shade, and seals may visit from the harbour.
The site suits macro photographers and night divers, ideally with a local guide who knows the access and which areas are safe. The depth is shallow and conditions are usually calm. Watch for fishing lines, and respect private property around the foreshore. Combined with Snug Cove and Quarantine Bay, it gives Eden several easy options on days when the open coast is rough. A torch is essential for looking under the wharf, even on bright days, and a macro lens will get the most from the small animals on the pylons. Night dives are especially good.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cattle Bay (Cannery Wharf) is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Eden & Green Cape. The listed access is shore. 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.
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 Cattle Bay (Cannery Wharf) suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Cattle Bay (Cannery Wharf) 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
Seahorses, nudibranchs, sea hares, shrimps, crabs, pipefish, weedy sea dragons, octopus, cuttlefish, stingrays, fiddler rays, flathead, bream, luderick, leatherjackets, baitfish
Location
Old cannery wharf in Cattle Bay on the northern shore of Twofold Bay beside Eden's town harbour; guided macro and night wharf dives in shallow water.
Facilities nearby
Eden town facilities; Sapphire Coast Scuba and Dive Eden in town.
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
sapphirecoastscuba.comdiveeden.com.aufacebook.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.