Meet the site
Perpendicular Point marks the rocky headland at the entrance to Camden Haven near Laurieton, and the reef running off it is both a well-known local fishing mark and a reasonable dive site in its own right, sitting close enough to the Cod Grounds Marine Park that the two are sometimes described together in older dive literature. The point's reef runs from a shallower rocky shelf around ten metres down to sandy gutters and bommies in the twenty-to-thirty-metre range, and it holds the kind of substantial jewfish and kingfish schools that make it popular with anglers as well as divers, alongside typical mid-north-coast reef fish and, at times, grey nurse sharks moving between this area and the nearby marine park. As with much of the Camden Haven diving scene, there is no dedicated dive shop in Laurieton itself, so Perpendicular Point is mainly dived by private boat owners launching from the town's ramp, with occasional visits from Port Macquarie-based charters combining it with a Cod Grounds trip given the short distance between the two. The site's proximity to the open Camden Haven river entrance means it can be affected by both ocean swell and outflow from the river, so conditions should be checked carefully before heading out, particularly after rain. For divers with their own boat exploring the area beyond the marine park pinnacles, Perpendicular Point offers a worthwhile, moderate-depth reef dive that rounds out a Camden Haven diving day without requiring a long open-water run. Anglers and divers share this mark, so watch for fishing line and be mindful of boat traffic working the same reef from above.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Laurieton – Perpendicular Point is recorded as Reef in Port Macquarie & Camden Haven. 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.
- 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 Laurieton – Perpendicular Point 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 Laurieton – Perpendicular Point 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
Jewfish and kingfish schools, temperate reef fish, occasional grey nurse sharks, rays
Location
A rocky headland and offshore reef at the entrance to Camden Haven, close to the Cod Grounds Marine Park and used both as a fishing landmark and a dive site in its own right.
Facilities nearby
Boat ramp at Laurieton/Camden Haven.
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
community.deckee.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.