Meet the site
The Cutting is named after a large crevice in the shore at the head of a small bay, a feature that continues underwater as the reef descends. It lies about 2.8 km south of Port Hacking on the Royal National Park coast and is one of several sites that can only be dived in calm seas because parts of it are shallow. From a sand bottom of about 22 m the reef rises to 17 m and then jumps vertically to 10 m. East of the anchor the sand is at about 20 m with very large boulders off the reef, and overhangs and holes at around 17 m. The southern section slopes more gently up to 10 m, and the reef top ranges from 10 m up to 5 m. The 10–12 m zone normally holds prolific fish – yellowtail, seapike and ladder-finned pomfret in schools, one-spot pullers and black reef and mosaic leatherjackets – and a resident large black ray frequents the area. Port Jackson sharks are plentiful in August and September, and small rays rest on the sand. The reef is covered in sponges, small gorgonians and sea squirts with plenty of nudibranchs. McFadyen describes it as a very nice dive site. The range of depths lets divers spend the first part of the dive deeper among the big boulders and finish in the fish-filled shallows, and the site is a good second dive after a deep site such as Barrens Hut or The Split. The Cutting North Reef, just to the north, is a separate site. It suits Open Water divers comfortable on boats, on a calm day.
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 Cutting (Royal National Park) is recorded as Reef in Sydney South & Botany 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Cutting (Royal National Park) 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 Cutting (Royal National Park) 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
Yellowtail, seapike, ladder-finned pomfret, one-spot puller, black reef leatherjacket, mosaic leatherjacket, large black ray (resident), small rays, Port Jackson shark (Aug–Sep), sponges, small gorgonians, sea squirts, nudibranchs
Location
Reef off a large shore crevice at the head of a small bay about 2.8 km south of Port Hacking; sand at 22 m, reef to 17 m then a vertical step to 10 m, reef top 5–10 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure only: Port Hacking ramps – Tonkin Park/Gunnamatta Bay (Cronulla), Lilli Pilli, Bundeena – with parking and toilets; air/nitrox at Pro Dive Cronulla and Abyss (Ramsgate).
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.infoRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
