Meet the site
The northern end of Pig Island is a very good all-round dive and the usual choice at Bass Islet when a southerly swell is running. The main reef runs east–west as a slope of the white-and-pink rock characteristic of the Illawarra, dotted with larger rocks and boulders. The top of the slope is about 15 m and it deepens gradually to 24–26 m further out, where the bottom becomes rock covered mostly in kelp.
The standard route takes you north off the slope across the kelp to a series of isolated rocks that are plastered with sponges and sea tulips – mini-bommies that concentrate fish and invertebrates. Heading east you reach about 24 m before turning back to the main reef and following it home at 12–15 m. Along the way expect cuttlefish, moray eels, clouds of one-spot pullers, striped seapike and large rays, with eagle rays passing over the sand. The rocks reward a slow look for nudibranchs.
In late summer and autumn the East Australian Current can carry tropical vagrants this far south: McFadyen recorded eight long-finned bannerfish and a Moorish idol here in February 2006. The kelp beds look like classic weedy sea dragon habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed. The site is less dramatic than the south-eastern wall but more varied, with a mix of kelp, sponge and sand habitats, and it can be dived at a range of depths to suit a mixed group. It pairs naturally with Pig Island South East or with the Toothbrush Island sites on a two-dive trip out of Port Kembla.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pig Island – North East 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.
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 Pig Island – North East 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 Pig Island – North East 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
Cuttlefish, moray eels, one-spot pullers, striped seapike, large rays, eagle rays, nudibranchs, sponges, sea tulips; tropical vagrants such as long-finned bannerfish and Moorish idols in late summer
Location
East–west rocky slope and kelp reef at the northern end of Pig Island (Bass Islet), the outermost of the Five Islands.
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.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
