Meet the site
First Point is a headland wall that only makes the schedule on good days. The Terrigal Underwater Group lists it at 26 m and says plainly that it is accessible only in low swell, but rewards divers with a nice reef wall, swim-throughs and great marine life. That combination - real structure close to the rock and a strict weather window - puts it in the category of sites local divers watch the forecast for. The wall drops from the shallows near the headland to sand in the mid-20s, with the face broken by cracks, overhangs and boulders. The swim-throughs, formed where large blocks have fallen against the wall, are the highlight, but they are also why swell matters: even moderate surge pushes water through them hard. On a calm day the site feels much like the better Sydney headland walls, with sponges, sea squirts and small gorgonians on the vertical surfaces and kelp on the upper ledges. Fish life is typically dense because of the structure. Expect schools of yellowtail and silver sweep along the face, one-spot pullers and bullseyes in the overhangs, eastern blue gropers and red morwong patrolling, and wobbegongs tucked into crevices. Nudibranchs are plentiful on the wall, and cuttlefish and octopus are regular finds. Because published detail is limited and the site depends on local knowledge, this is a dive to do with a Terrigal operator or club member. It suits Advanced divers with good buoyancy who are comfortable close to rock and can judge when surge makes the swim-throughs unwise. For regular Terrigal divers it offers a change from the offshore reefs; for visitors it is worth asking about if a genuinely flat day coincides with a trip.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
First Point (Terrigal) is recorded as Wall in Central Coast. 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.
- 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 First Point (Terrigal) 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 First Point (Terrigal) 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
Yellowtail, silver sweep, one-spot pullers, bullseyes, eastern blue groper, red morwong, wobbegong sharks, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, octopus, sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians
Location
A reef wall with swim-throughs off the headland near Terrigal, diveable only in low swell, dropping to about 26 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Terrigal Haven: paid parking, toilets, kiosk and dive shop.
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
terrigalunderwatergroup.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.