Meet the site
The Jibbon reef complex is a cluster of deep reefs discovered by McFadyen and the St George Scuba Club from the 2000s onward, named in a running joke after fast-food outlets – because such outlets are always found near one another. Pizza Reef, named because it is round, came first; KFC, Maccas, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster and Oporto followed as the club found neighbouring reefs, often by accident when wind pushed the boat off the intended mark. KFC Reef lies north-west of Pizza Reef, between it and Jibbon Bombora, and was named on the principle that there is always a KFC near a Pizza Hut. It runs predominantly east–west, with some northerly sections at its eastern end and a few fingers running south; the base is at about 24 m and the reef top at about 20 m, making it a little shallower than its neighbours. What distinguishes it is the fixed life: McFadyen describes some of the best sponge gardens around Sydney, with sponges, sea squirts and ascidians and gorgonians of many colours crammed into small crevices, and some of the most colourful life you will see anywhere. Fish life is equally strong, with huge schools of one-spot pullers all over the reef, bastard (Tasmanian) trumpeter, huge rays, mosaic, black reef and six-spined leatherjackets, bream, seapike, yellowtail and both giant boarfish and ordinary boarfish. The reef has not been fully explored, and McFadyen notes that no one but the St George Scuba Club dives it. Its slightly shallower profile gives a few more minutes on the bottom than Pizza or Maccas, and it is an excellent choice for photographers wanting colourful reef scenes. Because the published GPS is on the old AUS66 datum, boats need to convert it. It suits Advanced divers, ideally on nitrox, with a private boat.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
KFC Reef (Jibbon) is recorded as 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.
- 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 KFC Reef (Jibbon) 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 KFC Reef (Jibbon) 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
Sponges, sea squirts, ascidians, gorgonians (many colours), one-spot puller, bastard trumpeter, rays, mosaic leatherjacket, black reef leatherjacket, six-spined leatherjacket, bream, seapike, yellowtail, giant boarfish, boarfish
Location
Mainly east–west reef between Jibbon Bombora and Pizza Reef (north-west of Pizza Reef) outside Port Hacking; 20 m top, 24 m base; outstanding sponge gardens.
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.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
