Meet the site
Hump One is the first of a series of deep reefs – the Humps – that sit off the very end of Bass Point Reserve. It is a compact, pear-shaped reef about 50 m long and 30 m wide, pointed at its southern end, with its top at about 27 m and surrounding sand just over 35 m. Across the broader hump field the sand lies between about 24 and 35 m.
Because it is small, a full circuit can be completed in about seven minutes at a slow pace, which suits the short no-decompression times on air at this depth. The attraction is the density of fixed life: sponges, sea whips and sea squirts cover the reef, gorgonians are especially abundant on the eastern and southern sides, where the walls are steepest, and sea stars and many species of nudibranchs dot the rock in large numbers. Fish include leatherjackets, yellowtail, sweep, striped seapike and boarfish, with Port Jackson sharks resting on the sand in season and kingfish cruising in the blue.
The site is marked by McFadyen as a deep dive only for the experienced. Anchoring is awkward because the rocks lie at right angles, which can lead to anchors dragging or jamming; many groups prefer a shot line. The Humps are more exposed than the inshore Bass Point reefs, and current is more common. For experienced divers with good gas planning – ideally on nitrox – it offers a rare chance to see pristine deep temperate reef growth only 10 minutes from a boat ramp, and the neighbouring Hump Wall gives a second option at similar depth.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Hump One is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Wollongong & Kiama. 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.
- 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 Hump One suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Hump One 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
Gorgonians, sponges, sea whips, sea squirts, sea stars, nudibranchs (many species), leatherjackets, Port Jackson sharks, yellowtail, sweep, striped seapike, boarfish, kingfish
Location
Pear-shaped reef about 50 × 30 m rising from 35 m sand to a top at 27 m, off the very end of Bass Point Reserve; one of a series of deep humps.
Facilities nearby
Shellharbour Marina: modern boat ramp, trailer parking, toilets, cafés. Air and nitrox at Shellharbour Scuba and Photography Centre (Shellharbour Village).
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
