Meet the site
The northern side of Bass Point Island, known to many as Lou's Reef, is a straightforward and fish-rich multilevel dive a few minutes from Shellharbour Marina. Near the sand at about 26 m the reef is a gently sloping series of rocks; closer to the island it forms more vertical walls. East of the usual anchorage the reef runs another 25 m before turning north, where the walls become steeper. To the south the reef rises to a shallow area of 10–12 m cut by many small cracks running north–south.
The cracks are the highlight of the second half of the dive, holding sweep, one-spot pullers, black reef leatherjackets, bream and drummer, and in winter Port Jackson sharks rest in them in numbers. Over the deeper reef large schools of yellowtail, ladder-finned pomfret and silver drummer are regular, and the walls are covered in sponges and gorgonians like the other outer Bass Point reefs. Some operators also report sunfish, dolphins and seals in season.
The depth range makes the site suitable for Advanced divers who want to start deep and finish with a long, relaxed shallow section, and it is often combined with the southern side of the island or with the bommie on a two-dive trip. The origin of the name 'Lou's Reef' is not recorded in the main sources. Because the island shelters its northern face from southerly swell, this is often the pick of the outer reefs on days when the southern sites are rough. Its short distance from the marina also makes it a practical choice for divers with small private boats.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lous Reef – Bass Point Island North is recorded as Reef in Wollongong & Kiama. 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.
- 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 Lous Reef – Bass Point Island North 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 Lous Reef – Bass Point Island North 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
Yellowtail, ladder-finned pomfret, silver drummer, sweep, one-spot pullers, black reef leatherjackets, bream, drummer, Port Jackson sharks (winter), sponges, gorgonians
Location
Sloping rocks and walls on the northern side of Bass Point Island off the tip of Bass Point, running from shallow cracks at 10 m to sand at 26 m.
Facilities nearby
Shellharbour Marina: modern boat ramp, trailer parking, toilets, cafés. Air and nitrox at Shellharbour Scuba and Photography Centre (Shellharbour Village).
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.infogooddive.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
