Meet the site
Sweep City is exactly what the name suggests: a reef where silver sweep gather in numbers. The Terrigal Underwater Group lists it at 24 m and describes it simply as a good reef with plenty of fish life, and it sits among the offshore reefs north of Terrigal that make up the local operators' rotation alongside Bonito Reef, The Pinnacle and Forresters Reef. Silver sweep (Scorpis lineolata) are a characteristic fish of NSW temperate reefs - silvery, deep-bodied planktivores that hang above the reef in loose schools, often mixed with yellowtail scad, mado and one-spot pullers. On a good day at Sweep City they fill the water over the reef, turning and flashing together, and hanging just above them to watch is a large part of the dive. Predators follow: kingfish and bonito sometimes make passes, and wobbegongs wait at the base of the reef. The reef itself is typical of this depth off the Central Coast - sandstone ledges, gutters and boulders with sponges, sea squirts and small gorgonians on the rock, and kelp in shallower patches. Red morwong, eastern blue gropers and wrasse move along the ledges, and nudibranchs, sea stars and octopus reward a closer look. Published descriptions are short, and the site is not as well known as Foggy Cave or Two Poles, but locals rate it for dependable fish action. It suits Advanced divers and guided Open Water divers comfortable at 20 m-plus, and it is a good choice for photographers wanting wide-angle schooling shots rather than macro.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sweep City is recorded as Reef in Central Coast. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Sweep City 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 Sweep City 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
Silver sweep (large schools), yellowtail scad, mado, one-spot pullers, red morwong, eastern blue groper, wrasse, wobbegong sharks, seasonal kingfish and bonito, nudibranchs
Location
An offshore reef near Terrigal in about 24 m, named for the dense schools of silver sweep that gather over it.
Facilities nearby
Departs Terrigal Haven: paid parking, toilets, kiosk and dive shop.
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
terrigalunderwatergroup.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.