Inner Point Perpendicular

Meet the site

Inner Point Perpendicular is the protected, inside face of the great northern headland of Jervis Bay, at the point where the cliffs turn north at right angles. A large pyramid-shaped rock marks the spot, which is why it is also known as Pyramid Rock (not to be confused with the Pyramid Rock on Bowen Island) and as Fish Rock.

The dive runs from sand at 32 m, where a prominent reef and some small rocks begin, up the reef face through 20–25 m and into the shallows at 5 m against the cliff. The cliff is undercut by a number of caves, one of which extends back a considerable distance to the east about 50 m inside the corner. Yellowtail, silver sweep, one-spot pullers and girdled parma are the common fish, and at times quite large schools gather around the pyramid. The reef supports the sponges and encrusting growth typical of the bay entrance.

McFadyen rates it as suitable for all experience levels: the depth can be tailored to the group, the caves are in the shallows, and it is especially good in north-easterly winds when the outer sites are rough. On an incoming tide the site becomes a gentle drift dive along the reef. It is commonly used as a second dive after one of the deeper outer sites such as The Arch or the Point Perpendicular Sponge Gardens, which lie just around the corner. Divers should keep an eye on boat traffic entering and leaving the bay close to the headland.

What you might see

Yellowtail, silver sweep, one-spot pullers, girdled parma, leatherjackets, wobbegongs, sponges

Location

Reef and caves at the western end of Point Perpendicular where the headland turns north at right angles inside the bay, marked by a large pyramid-shaped rock; sand at 32 m.

Facilities nearby

Departure from Huskisson: Dive Jervis Bay shop (air, nitrox, hire), cafés and parking; Huskisson, Callala and Murrays ramps.