Mewstone (Eden)

Meet the site

The Mewstone is listed by the Marine Life Network among the Eden dive sites as an extension of the same reef as Warang Point, with its eastern side offering colourful sponge gardens and better fish life.

'Mewstone' is a common name for isolated rocks around Australia and Britain, usually because gulls ('mews') roost on them. The Eden Mewstone appears to be a rock rising from a reef that continues from Warang Point, which the Marine Life Network describes as a large flat reef marked by boulders and crevices, 10–25 m, with sponges near the deeper overhangs. The eastern side of the Mewstone, facing the open sea, gets more water movement, which explains the richer sponge growth and fish. Expect sponges, sea squirts and gorgonians, schools of yellowtail and sweep, blue groper, red morwong, leatherjackets and bullseyes, with wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks in the crevices and seals passing through.

The site suits Open Water divers with a guide, or more experienced divers on private boats. It is best dived with local knowledge, and the operators in Eden and Merimbula can confirm its location and current condition. Twofold Bay has no marine park, but Beowa National Park protects much of the surrounding shoreline. Divers who visit are encouraged to record its position and depths.

What you might see

Sponges, sea squirts, gorgonians, yellowtail, sweep, blue groper, red morwong, leatherjackets, bullseyes, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, fur seals

Location

Rock and reef described as an extension of the Warang Point reef in the Eden area; the eastern side has colourful sponge gardens and better fish life.

Facilities nearby

Quarantine Bay ramp and Snug Cove, Eden.