Meet the site
Haycock Point is the southern headland of Merimbula Bay, part of the northern section of Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd). Offshore, Haystack Rock – named for the smaller rock beside it that looks like a huge haystack – is the reef that wrecked the SS Empire Gladstone in 1950. McFadyen describes a bommie off Haystack Rock as a vertical pillar that comes almost to the surface beside the bow wreckage of the Empire Gladstone.
The reef consists of boulders and rock with kelp and crayweed, sponges and sea squirts in the shade, and sand patches. The bommie and the wreckage attract fish: blue groper, blackfish, yellowtail and silver sweep in the crevices and schools of bream and leatherjackets. Wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks shelter under ledges, and rays are common on the sand. The headland is often visited by seals and dolphins, and whales pass close in spring.
The site suits Open Water divers in calm weather, usually as part of a dive on the Empire Gladstone. Detailed description of the reef apart from the wreck is limited, and depths here are indicative. The headland is worth visiting by land too, with walking tracks and views across Merimbula Bay. The Beowa National Park shoreline has no marine park zoning, but take nothing from the wreck, which is a protected historic site. Dolphins often ride the bow of dive boats crossing the bay.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Haycock Point is recorded as Reef in Merimbula. 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.
- 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 Haycock Point 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 Haycock Point 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, blackfish, yellowtail, silver sweep, bream, leatherjackets, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, rays, fur seals, dolphins, kelp, sponges
Location
Headland at the southern end of Merimbula Bay in Beowa National Park, with Haystack Rock and its vertical bommie offshore; reef around the rock and the Empire Gladstone wreck site.
Facilities nearby
Beowa National Park car park and picnic area at Haycock Point (park fees); Merimbula boat ramps.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.