Meet the site
New Arch is the deeper of the two arch dives at Moon Island. Grey Nurse Charters describes a large arch spanning a narrow gutter at around 24 m, with a series of gutters to explore and colourful coral growth throughout. iNaturalist's Moon Island notes call it New Arch or Wide Arch and place it to the south among the gutter formations. The gutters are the defining feature. Long channels cut into the reef, each with walls a few metres high, provide natural routes and shelter for fish and invertebrates. The arch itself is a slab of rock bridging one narrow gutter, making a swim-through that frames divers against the light. Its walls and ceiling carry sponges, ascidians, soft corals and encrusting growth - the colourful coral growth Grey Nurse Charters refers to - and the shade suits cryptic species such as nudibranchs, shrimps and small cardinalfish. Fish life is abundant, with yellowtail and silver sweep over the gutters, bullseyes and pomfrets in the arch and overhangs, red morwong and blue groper along the walls, and wobbegongs resting in the gutter floors. Moon Island's wider cast - eastern blue devils, weedy seadragons, bull rays, Port Jackson sharks and, in winter, grey nurse sharks - may all turn up. At around 24 m the site needs Advanced certification or guided experience at depth. It offers more depth and a sense of discovery than The Arch closer in, and it suits divers who enjoy navigating reef topography. Good buoyancy is important in the narrow gutters to avoid damaging the delicate growth on the walls and ceiling.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
New Arch (Moon Island) is recorded as Reef in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie. 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.
- 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 New Arch (Moon Island) 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 New Arch (Moon Island) 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, soft corals, ascidians, nudibranchs, yellowtail, silver sweep, bullseyes, ladder-finned pomfrets, red morwong, eastern blue groper, wobbegong sharks, eastern blue devilfish
Location
A large arch spanning a narrow gutter south of Moon Island at about 24 m, with a series of gutters and colourful growth.
Facilities nearby
Departs Swansea (Black Neds Bay ramp): parking, toilets; air fills in Swansea.
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
greynurse.com.auinaturalist.ala.org.augreynurse.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.