Meet the site
The Arch is one of the signature boat dives at Bass Point, a short run from Shellharbour Marina past the mouth of Bushrangers Bay. The arch sits on a ridge that runs at right angles to the shoreline, extending seaward just beyond Bass Point Island. It is roughly 20 m long, 10 m wide and three to five metres high with a sand floor at about 26 m, so it is more a short tunnel through the ridge than a delicate bridge, and it is wide enough for a group to swim through comfortably.
West of the arch, at about 18 m, is a sizeable cave with two chambers, and a huge bull ray is often found resting at its entrance. Through winter the site is known for Port Jackson sharks, which gather on the sand and in the crevices of the ridge during their breeding season. The ridge itself carries sponges and encrusting life, with schooling bullseyes, yellowtail, leatherjackets and seapike around the rocks, and divers occasionally report the blue-kneed sea spider in the area.
The depth profile – 26 m on the sand, 18 m at the cave, shallower on the ridge – suits Advanced divers and makes a tidy multilevel dive. Although it can be reached from shore, the kilometre-plus walk and scramble over rocks, and the need for millpond conditions to enter and exit safely, mean almost everyone does it from a boat. Shallow reefs to the north and west of the point require care on approach, and in deteriorating conditions divers have the option of exiting eastward into the shelter of Bushrangers Bay.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Arch (Bass Point) is recorded as Reef in Wollongong & Kiama. The listed access is shore or 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.
- 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 The Arch (Bass Point) 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 The Arch (Bass Point) 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
Port Jackson sharks (winter), bull rays, bullseyes, yellowtail, leatherjackets, seapike, blue-kneed sea spider, sponges
Location
Sand-floored arch about 20 m long on a seaward ridge just beyond Bass Point Island, about 150 m past the entrance to Bushrangers Bay; a two-chamber cave lies to the west.
Facilities nearby
Shellharbour Marina: modern boat ramp, trailer parking, toilets, cafés. Air and nitrox at Shellharbour Scuba and Photography Centre (Shellharbour Village).
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.infovisitnsw.comgooddive.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
