Meet the site
Hump Wall is part of a very large section of reef that extends seaward from the Bass Point peninsula, among the deep reefs known collectively as the Humps. At the mark the reef forms a corner, running south and north-west; to the north-east it slopes at about 30° over a boulder-strewn face, while to the south it drops as a sheer wall. The reef top is at 23–24 m, shallowing a little westward before dropping to 27 m and sloping below 30 m, and the base of the wall on the eastern side reaches about 34 m.
The wall is covered in sponges, sea squirts and small gorgonians, and the flat reef top is pocked with small holes and gutters. Black reef leatherjackets, striped seapike, moray eels, large cuttlefish, yellowtail and one-spot pullers are regulars, Port Jackson sharks rest on the reef in season, and McFadyen describes days with thousands of mado and carpets of tiny white feather stars about 15 mm across. Visibility can reach 20 m.
This is only a dive for the very experienced. On air, no-deco time at the wall is about 15 minutes; 32% nitrox roughly doubles that. The combination of depth, limited time and an open-water ascent calls for careful gas planning, a DSMB and good buoyancy. For divers who meet that bar it is one of the most impressive deep walls within easy reach of Sydney, and it complements the smaller, more compact Hump One nearby. Plan the ascent up the anchor line or with a DSMB, as the site is well offshore of the point and boat traffic passes through.
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 Wall is recorded as Wall 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 Wall 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 Wall 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
Mado (large schools), feather stars, black reef leatherjackets, striped seapike, moray eels, giant cuttlefish, yellowtail, one-spot pullers, Port Jackson sharks, nudibranchs, sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians
Location
Large reef section off Bass Point with a sheer wall dropping from a 23–24 m reef top to about 34 m; about 3.5 km almost due east of Shellharbour boat ramp.
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.
