Meet the site
Runway 36 is the name Pro Dive Manly gives to one of its North Head Peninsula anchorages, and Vizzbud, which lists it as 'Runway', explains the name: a long, relatively flat reef structure that runs parallel to the cliffs like a landing strip. It lies on the outer, ocean face of North Head close to Bluefish Point, and the layout is a sloping boulder field from about 10 m down to lower reef platforms, the runway itself, and a sand line at 25–27 m. The deep platform edge carries the sponge gardens, gorgonian fans and sea tulips that make the eastern North Head faces so colourful, and the boulder slope above holds the ledges and gaps where the sharks live. Fish and animals are those of the Bluefish area: wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks in the boulders, moray eels, eastern blue groper, giant cuttlefish in winter, schools of yellowtail and southern pomfret over the platform and kingfish along the edge, with grey nurse sharks from the Bluefish Valley colony wandering along the wall in the cooler months. Bull rays cross the sand. Depth and current make it an Advanced dive: the interesting structure is at 25 m, no-decompression time is short, current runs along the wall, and swell surge works the boulders, so it is a settled-weather, morning dive with a DSMB ascent. It suits Advanced divers on a Manly boat wanting a deeper alternative to the sheltered sponge gardens, and it is a good place for wide-angle photography when the water is blue. Documentation is thin – an operator listing and a Vizzbud page – so depths and the exact position are approximate.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Runway 36 (North Head) is recorded as Reef in Sydney Northern Beaches. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Runway 36 (North Head) 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 Runway 36 (North Head) 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
Wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, moray eels, eastern blue groper, giant cuttlefish, yellowtail, southern pomfret, kingfish, grey nurse sharks (occasional), bull rays, sponges, gorgonians, sea tulips
Location
A long, flat reef platform running parallel to the cliffs 'like a landing strip' on the outer face of North Head near Bluefish Point, from a boulder slope at 10 m to a sand line at 25–27 m; listed by Pro Dive Manly among its North Head sites.
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
vizzbud.comprodive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.