Meet the site
Merimbula Wharf, beside the Merimbula Aquarium, is the busiest shore dive on the Sapphire Coast. Like Tathra, the wharf was built in the late 1800s so coastal steamers could land passengers and cargo at a town with no natural harbour, and it was used until the mid-1900s. The building at its base now houses an aquarium and restaurant, and anglers crowd the wharf itself. Merimbula Divers Lodge calls it one of Australia's top ten shore dives, and Diveplanit describes a rocky reef with kelp in the shallows grading into sponge gardens at depth, with ledges and caves and sand flats beyond, dropping to 16 m.
McFadyen describes a full circuit. From the entry point you cross a wall to 6–7.5 m, then follow the reef north to a pair of plastic pipes (used to supply the aquarium) that are weighed down with literally hundreds of bags of cement, alongside pieces of old wharf pylons and timbers. The pipes lead to the wharf, where it is shallow (under 4 m) and the rocks are fairly bare, but fish gather under the structure: a resident bull ray, blue groper and yellowtail. The pipes also lead out to 10 m, and over a further wall to sand at 14 m, where an old bulldozer track lies on the bottom. The small wall south from here has the best growth, with gorgonians and sponges.
The critter list is what makes Merimbula's reputation. Merimbula Divers Lodge and Diveplanit list weedy sea dragons, seahorses, octopus, giant cuttlefish, nudibranchs (including Bennett's and blue dragons), sea pens, banded wobbegongs, Port Jackson and crested horn sharks, Australian angel sharks, draughtboard sharks, smooth stingrays, bull rays, shovelnose rays, moray eels and occasional grey nurse sharks and green turtles. The site suits beginners, photographers and night divers. Keep away from the anglers and their lines.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Merimbula Wharf is recorded as Jetty/Pier in Merimbula. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Merimbula Wharf suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Merimbula Wharf 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
Weedy sea dragons, seahorses, octopus, giant cuttlefish, nudibranchs (Bennett's, blue dragons), sea pens, banded wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, crested horn sharks, Australian angel sharks, draughtboard sharks, smooth stingrays, bull rays, shovelnose rays, moray eels, blue groper, leatherjackets, yellowtail, occasional grey nurse sharks and green turtles
Location
Historic ocean wharf on the northern side of Merimbula Bay beside the Merimbula Aquarium; shore dive over rocky reef, pipes, old wharf timbers and a deeper wall to 14–16 m; regarded as one of Australia's top shore dives.
Facilities nearby
Parking at the end of the road; aquarium and restaurant; Merimbula Divers Lodge minutes away for fills, hire and accommodation.
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.infodiveplanit.commerimbuladiverslodge.com.aumerimbuladiverslodge.com.aumarinelife.org.ausapphirecoastscuba.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.