Meet the site
Iluka Bluff and the adjoining Woody Head, on the northern headland of the Clarence River mouth within Bundjalung National Park, mark the point where the rainforest-backed coastline of the Iluka world heritage area meets a rocky reef system dived only occasionally, mostly by locals with a boat or the patience to wait for a genuinely flat day to enter from the rocks. There is no dedicated charter to this exact stretch, with Yamba's dive shop focused more on the offshore reefs and pinnacles further south, so this remains a site known mainly through word of mouth and club diving. The reef itself is a typical broken rock-and-gutter system running from the shoreline out to about 15 m, sheltering the usual cast of subtropical Far North Coast species: blue groper working the open ground, wobbegong sharks tucked under ledges, turtles moving through on their way along the coast, and bull rays over the sandier patches, along with reasonable populations of bream, snapper and other reef fish that make this a popular spot with local spearfishers on calm days. The proximity to the Clarence River mouth means a mix of estuarine-influenced and full-strength reef species can be found close together. The defining challenge here, as with much of this stretch of coast, is access rather than the underwater environment: the headland takes the full force of ocean swell with no real shelter, so a shore entry from the rock platforms at Iluka Bluff or Woody Head is only workable on the calmest of days, and a boat visit means first crossing the Clarence River bar, which while generally well-behaved by North Coast standards can still turn dangerous in bigger swell or a strong outgoing tide. Anyone planning to dive here should have solid rock-entry experience, check the swell forecast carefully, and ideally dive with someone who knows the specific entry points, since detailed site information beyond this general picture remains limited.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Iluka Bluff / Woody Head reefs is recorded as Reef in Yamba & Iluka. The listed access is shore or 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 Iluka Bluff / Woody Head reefs 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 Iluka Bluff / Woody Head reefs 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, wobbegongs, turtles, bull rays, bream, snapper, kingfish, nudibranchs
Location
Rocky reef and gutters off Iluka Bluff and Woody Head, on the northern side of the Clarence River mouth within Bundjalung National Park, at the southern edge of what is effectively an extension of the reef systems that continue north toward the Gold Coast.
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
visitnsw.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.