Meet the site
The Canyon is a simple but attractive site at the Tollgate Islands, right beside Dragon Rock. The Marine Life Network describes two rock formations about 3 m apart that create canyon walls, at 10–15 m, with sponges, nudibranchs, slipper lobsters, anemones and schooling fish. Spirit Divers' site guide rated it Easy with a maximum depth of 14 m, suitable for Open Water and Advanced divers, day or night, and noted large canyons that are easy to navigate whether you head north or south.
The walls of the canyon are covered in sponges, sea squirts and anemones, and the shaded crevices hold slipper lobsters (Balmain bugs), nudibranchs and small crabs. Schools of yellowtail, sweep and bream move through the channel, and blue groper and red morwong patrol the walls. The site's big attraction is its position next to Dragon Rock. Spirit Divers noted that grey nurse sharks are frequently seen passing through, especially during the summer–autumn season when the colony is at its largest.
This is a good dive for Open Water divers, a comfortable second dive after watching the sharks at Dragon Rock, and a straightforward night dive. The walls make navigation easy and the depth is modest. As with all Tollgate sites, it lies within a sanctuary zone and grey nurse shark critical habitat, so no fishing or collecting is allowed and divers must follow the grey nurse code of conduct. No published GPS was found, so the position is given only by reference to Dragon Rock. Operators may use slightly different names for the same area.
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 Canyon (Tollgate Islands) is recorded as Reef in Batemans 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Canyon (Tollgate Islands) 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 The Canyon (Tollgate Islands) 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
Grey nurse sharks (passing, Nov–Apr), sponges, anemones, sea squirts, slipper lobsters, nudibranchs, yellowtail, sweep, bream, blue groper, red morwong
Location
Pair of rock formations about 3 m apart forming canyon walls beside Dragon Rock at the Tollgate Islands, Batemans Bay; 10–15 m.
Facilities nearby
Hanging Rock boat ramp; air and nitrox fills at Beneath the Bay.
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
spiritdiversdotcomdotau.wordpress.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.