Meet the site
JD Reef North is one of the NSW Department of Primary Industries' offshore artificial reefs, built for recreational fishing off Royal National Park. It lies about 900 m offshore and 540 m south-east of Barrens Hut, in 28–29 m of water. The reef consists of 18 concrete modules arranged in a Greek-cross pattern: four in the centre and three in each of the east–west arms, spaced roughly 50 m apart. Each module is four metres square and five metres high and weighs 25 tonnes; ten of them carry steel pylons that extend their height to nine metres. The modules are hollow, and divers can swim right inside. Over the years they have sunk into the sand, and some have shifted: by 2024 one upper section had fallen and by February 2025 one of the four central modules had moved to rest against another. The sand inside reaches almost 31 m. The early growth was only small barnacles, but by 2024–25 the concrete had gained small sponges and plenty of jewel anemones. Fish recorded include mado, yellowtail, boarfish, blind sharks, small rays and small flathead on the sand, with crayfish and crabs in the modules. Visibility has ranged from poor to well over 15 m. The depth limits bottom time, and nitrox (EAN33) helps considerably. Because it was built for fishing, divers should avoid weekends, when fishing lines and anchors are likely. It suits Advanced divers with deep experience who are interested in the colonisation of artificial reefs and in watching a new habitat develop over successive visits.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
JD Reef North (Royal National Park) is recorded as Artificial Reef in Sydney South & Botany Bay. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 JD Reef North (Royal National Park) 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 JD Reef North (Royal National Park) 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
Jewel anemones, small sponges, barnacles, mado, yellowtail, boarfish, blind shark, small rays, flathead, eastern rock lobster, crabs
Location
Offshore artificial fishing reef of 18 concrete modules in a Greek-cross layout about 900 m offshore and 540 m south-east of Barrens Hut; 28–31 m on sand.
Facilities nearby
Departure only: Port Hacking ramps – Tonkin Park/Gunnamatta Bay (Cronulla), Lilli Pilli, Bundeena – with parking and toilets; air/nitrox at Pro Dive Cronulla and Abyss (Ramsgate).
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.
