Meet the site
East North Bommie is one of a group of bommies north-east of Ulladulla Harbour that the local shop simply calls the North Bommies. Michael McFadyen describes this one as a reef running north–south, with its top at 20 m and a sand edge at about 25–26 m. Small boulders line the sand edge, and further along are bigger boulders and sections of wall with small overhangs and cracks. It is only just under two kilometres from the wharf, so the boat ride is short and the site is often dived when conditions rule out the longer run south.
The depth brings good invertebrate life. Sponges are the standout, with colourful encrusting and upright forms, plus sea squirts, gorgonians and lace corals growing on the walls. The fish are what the North Bommies are known for: the Marine Life Network describes walls, canyons and boulders teeming with yellowtail and pomfrets, and McFadyen adds weedy sea dragons over the kelp and sand edge, moray eels in cracks, eastern blue devilfish under overhangs and nannygai around the deeper boulders. The shallower main North Bommie nearby (about 18 m) has a small cave the operator calls The Penthouse, and a North-East Bommie at 10–14 m gives a gentler alternative.
The site suits Advanced Open Water divers, or Open Water divers with a guide, because the whole dive is spent between 20 and 26 m. It is a straightforward out-and-back along the sand edge and reef face, which makes navigation easy. It is a good place to look for sea dragons and devilfish, and to photograph the sponge-covered walls. It lacks the drama of Burrill Rocks, but it is closer, reliable and usually has plenty of fish.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
East North Bommie is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 East North Bommie 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 East North Bommie 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
Weedy sea dragons, eastern blue devilfish, moray eels, nannygai, yellowtail, pomfrets, sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians, lace corals
Location
North–south running bommie just under 2 km from Ulladulla wharf, north-east of the harbour; reef top at 20 m, sand at 25–26 m.
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 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.