Meet the site
Spot A, also referred to locally by its position near Cape Hawk, is a wall dive off Forster that runs from a kelp-fringed upper edge around nine metres down to twenty-one metres, giving divers a genuine vertical profile to work rather than the flatter reef and pinnacle terrain more typical of the area's other sites. The upper section, shallow enough for good light penetration, supports kelp growth alongside sponges, a habitat combination that is somewhat unusual this far north on the NSW coast and reflects Cape Hawk's exposure to the cooler water that occasionally pushes up from the south. Deeper down the wall transitions into a dedicated sponge garden section, where corals and an assortment of small invertebrates — the kind of critters that reward a slow, careful look — take over from the kelp as the dominant cover. This layered structure makes Spot A a good site for divers who enjoy a genuine wall profile and the contrast between distinct depth zones within a single dive, and it complements Forster's shark- and turtle-focused pinnacles with a more classic reef-wall experience. The site's moderate depth range keeps it accessible to open-water-level divers while still offering enough vertical relief to feel like a proper wall dive rather than a gentle slope, and its position near Cape Hawk means it is somewhat more exposed than the sheltered Wallis Lake-side sites, so conditions should be checked before committing to it on a marginal-weather day. The change in habitat from kelp to sponge garden across a single dive also makes it a useful site for divers wanting to see how depth and exposure shape reef community structure on this coast.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Spot A / Cape Hawk Wall is recorded as Wall in Forster & Seal Rocks. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Spot A / Cape Hawk Wall 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 Spot A / Cape Hawk Wall 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
Kelp, sponges, hard and soft corals, small invertebrates typical of a sponge garden habitat, general reef fish
Location
A wall dive near Cape Hawk off Forster, ranging from 9-21 m, with kelp, sponges and a sponge-garden section hosting corals and small critters.
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
mudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.