Meet the site
Jibbon Bombora is the reef that protects the mouth of Port Hacking from the southerly swell, lying just off Jibbon Point in Royal National Park about 25 km south of Sydney. It has two peaks, a larger northern one and a smaller southern one, which come to within 2 m of the surface at low tide; the surrounding reef is about 4 m deep and slopes gently to 9 m before dropping away more steeply. In calm seas it is invisible from the surface, but in big swell waves break along its full length – which is why local boaties treat it with great respect. The best diving is on the south-east side, known as Fish Reef, which McFadyen revisited in 2026. Here the depth at the anchor is about 17.5 m, dropping to sand at more than 22 m. A small kelp-covered ledge leads to walls with overhangs and holes, and to the south a large rock stands apart from the main reef, separated by a small canyon with a huge overhang. Eastern blue devils and giant cuttlefish live under the overhangs, very large wobbegongs rest on the ledges, and seals visit. Big bream, yellowtail, many different leatherjackets and wrasse, and nudibranchs round out the list, and older records mention resident grey nurse sharks – a reminder of how widely the species once ranged in southern Sydney. The western slopes are less interesting. Because the bombora is only minutes from the ramps, it is a convenient dive, but it needs the right conditions: small seas but not so flat that skippers head elsewhere. It suits Advanced divers comfortable at 20 m and competent boat handlers who understand breaking reefs.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Jibbon Bombora (Fish Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- 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 Jibbon Bombora (Fish Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Jibbon Bombora (Fish Reef) 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
Eastern blue devil, giant cuttlefish, wobbegong (very large), Australian fur seal, bream, yellowtail, leatherjackets, wrasse, nudibranchs, grey nurse shark (historical)
Location
Two-peaked bombora just outside Port Hacking off Jibbon Point, Royal National Park; peaks 2 m at low tide, slopes to 9 m then drops to sand at about 22 m on the south-east side.
Facilities nearby
Departure only: Port Hacking ramps (Gunnamatta Bay, Lilli Pilli, Bundeena); air/nitrox at Pro Dive Cronulla (Gerrale Street, 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.
