Meet the site
Kapyong Cliffs is a site named by Spirit Divers, who first dived it on Kapyong Day, the anniversary of the 1951 Korean War battle in which Australian troops distinguished themselves. It lies just south of Tollgate Island, and the operator described it as a huge site with large cliffs that rise from the depths to 8–10 m and a maximum depth of 32 m. It was rated Easy, open to Open Water divers, but with Advanced or Deep Diver certification recommended to see the whole site. The guide called it a must-do for anyone looking for the pelagic species found in the area.
The cliffs drop from a kelp-covered top into deeper water, where sponges, gorgonians and sea squirts cover the rock. The site's exposure to open water on the southern side of the Tollgate group brings pelagic fish: kingfish, bonito, trevally and schools of yellowtail and sweep. Grey nurse sharks from Dragon Rock may also be seen along the cliffs. Blue groper, red morwong and eastern blue devilfish are common reef residents.
Because it is so large, Kapyong Cliffs can be dived several times at different depths. It suits Open Water divers who stay on the upper cliffs and Advanced divers who want to go deeper. Current operators may use other names for the cliffs south of the islands, so describe the site when booking rather than relying on the name alone.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Kapyong Cliffs (Tollgate Islands) is recorded as Wall in Batemans 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Kapyong Cliffs (Tollgate Islands) 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 Kapyong Cliffs (Tollgate Islands) 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
Kingfish, bonito, trevally, yellowtail, sweep, grey nurse sharks (seasonal), blue groper, red morwong, eastern blue devilfish, sponges, gorgonians
Location
Large cliffs rising from depth to 8–10 m just south of the Tollgate Islands, Batemans Bay; to 32 m, good for pelagic fish.
Facilities nearby
Hanging Rock boat ramp; air and nitrox at Beneath the Bay.
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
spiritdiversdotcomdotau.wordpress.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.