Meet the site
Short Point is a small beach and headland just north of Merimbula town, listed by Merimbula Divers Lodge as a shore dive with a maximum depth of 12 m. The shop describes a pleasant beach that is good for relaxing after the dive, and notes that it needs calm weather for safe diving. The Marine Life Network also lists a Short Point Bommie at 15–20 m offshore, with pelagic fish and sea dragons, which is documented separately as a boat dive.
The point has rocky reef with kelp and crayweed, boulders, and sand patches. The typical Merimbula shore-dive fauna is likely: weedy sea dragons over the kelp and sand edges, blue groper, leatherjackets, wrasse, sweep and yellowtail, with stingrays and fiddler rays on the sand, and wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks in the ledges. Octopus, cuttlefish and nudibranchs are common on Sapphire Coast reefs. Merimbula Wharf, a few minutes away, has a long critter list, and Short Point shares many of the same species.
The site suits Open Water divers and snorkellers on calm days. It is a good alternative to Merimbula Wharf when the wharf is busy, although it is more exposed to swell. The published description is brief, so the depth and layout here are indicative. Coordinates are approximate. The beach is popular with families in summer, so there may be swimmers in the shallows near the entry. Merimbula Divers Lodge is only minutes away for fills and advice on the day's conditions, which makes it easy to fit in an extra dive between boat trips.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Short Point (Merimbula) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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.
- 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 Short Point (Merimbula) 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 Short Point (Merimbula) 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, blue groper, leatherjackets, wrasse, sweep, yellowtail, stingrays, fiddler rays, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, kelp
Location
Pleasant beach and rocky point just north of Merimbula town; shore dive to about 12 m in calm weather.
Facilities nearby
Beach car park; Merimbula shops and Merimbula Divers Lodge nearby.
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
merimbuladiverslodge.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.