Meet the site
The Dee Why end of the Dee Why–Curl Curl reef is documented chiefly by the VIZ dive club, whose GPS survey covers the whole 1–2 km of reef between the two beaches, and it is the less rewarding half. Below the Dee Why headland and its ocean pool the reef is shallow – 8–12 m – a mix of kelp-covered rock, sand patches and small boulders that the club describes bluntly as 'not very interesting' for the first third of the southbound traverse. The reef gains structure and sponges as it approaches the Curl Curl end and the easternmost area, where it drops to 18–20 m, and for that reason the site is normally dived from the Curl Curl side or traversed end to end by scooter, with the Dee Why access used mainly when the swell direction favours it or as the northern exit. That said, the headland reef has its merits on a flat day. Dee Why Point is a rocky promontory with deep gutters between the platform and the outer rocks where blue groper, luderick, bream and red morwong are thick, Port Jackson sharks shelter in winter, and the kelp holds cuttlefish, octopus and the occasional weedy sea dragon. Kingfish and Australian salmon run along the point in season, and eagle rays cruise the sand to the south. Sponges and sea tulips begin to appear once the reef passes 10 m. The site is for experienced, self-sufficient divers: the entry is a surf-break platform, the lagoon outflow ruins visibility after rain, and anyone attempting the full traverse needs a scooter or boat support, a DSMB and ideally a PLB. Dive Centre Manly and Pro Dive Manly do not run it. It suits scooter divers, VIZ-style explorers and locals who want to know what lies under the surf break; for everyone else, North Curl Curl and Freshwater give better value for the same swell window.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Dee Why Point / Dee Why to Curl Curl reef (northern end) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Sydney Northern Beaches. 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.
- 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 Dee Why Point / Dee Why to Curl Curl reef (northern end) 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 Dee Why Point / Dee Why to Curl Curl reef (northern end) 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, luderick, bream, red morwong, Port Jackson sharks (winter), cuttlefish, octopus, weedy sea dragons (occasional), kingfish, Australian salmon, eagle rays, sponges and sea tulips on the deeper reef
Location
The northern end of the reef that runs south from Dee Why Point to Curl Curl, below the Dee Why headland and rock pool; shallow kelp and boulder reef in 8–12 m that deepens and improves southward, usually reached by scooter or boat rather than a shore swim.
Facilities nearby
Paid car parks on The Strand, Dee Why ocean pool, toilets and showers, many cafes; air fills at Pro Dive Manly (Brookvale).
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
viz.net.auvizzbud.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.