Meet the site
Smugglers Cave is one of the big sea caves that punctuate the sandstone cliffs of the outer Beecroft Peninsula between The Drum and Drumsticks and Point Perpendicular. McFadyen describes it as a large cave with an entrance from the open sea and a more protected entrance from a small bay, the passage running in a dog-leg shape to a narrower and shallower 'exit'. Depths range from 12 m inside to 33 m outside on the reef below the cliff.
The cave's size and the play of light through its two entrances are the main attractions. Inside, the walls carry sponges and encrusting growth adapted to low light, and eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes and wobbegongs shelter in the gloom. Outside, the cliff drops to boulder reef with the usual Beecroft Peninsula fish life – schools of yellowtail and sweep, leatherjackets, blue groper – and on some days fur seals from the nearby Drum and Drumsticks colony.
This is a dive for very calm days only. Even modest swell produces surge through the cave, and the combination of an overhead environment, depth outside and an exposed coast means it is best suited to Advanced divers with a torch, good buoyancy and experience in caverns. Published detail on the cave's exact dimensions is limited, so divers should rely on the local knowledge of Jervis Bay skippers and guides. The name recalls the smuggling legends attached to many of the South Coast's hidden coves. It is often combined with the Wandra or the Drum and Drumsticks on the same trip, since all three lie on the northern section of the peninsula.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Smugglers Cave is recorded as Cave/Cavern in Jervis Bay. 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Smugglers Cave suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Smugglers Cave 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
Eastern blue devilfish, bullseyes, wobbegongs, sponges, yellowtail, silver sweep, leatherjackets, blue groper, Australian fur seals (nearby)
Location
Very large dog-leg sea cave in the Beecroft Peninsula cliffs, with an entrance from the open sea and a more protected entrance from a small bay; 12–33 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson: Dive Jervis Bay shop (air, nitrox, hire), cafés, parking; Huskisson and Callala ramps.
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.infocurrarong.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.