Meet the site
The Gutter is the dive that most Sydney and Illawarra divers do first at Bass Point, and it earns its popularity. Its great virtue is shelter: the site faces north into Shellharbour and is protected from southerly wind and swell to the point that it can be dived in comfort during a southerly gale, when almost every other site on the coast is closed.
The gutter itself is a large incision in the rock platform with a rocky, kelp-covered floor at 3–4 m. Swimming north along its western wall the bottom drops gradually into a canyon system that heads north-east. The canyons open into gullies lined with sponges, sea tulips and gorgonians, reaching 18–20 m, and the route back returns through the main gutter so the depth decreases steadily towards the exit. Divers who push further north across the sand reach the separate Gutter Sponge Gardens at 20–23 m.
Life is abundant. Weedy sea dragons are regularly seen in the kelp and gullies, along with cuttlefish, squid, moray eels and many nudibranchs. Leatherjackets, striped seapike, bream, striped morwong and eastern hulafish are common, and a large ray often rests near the mouth of the gutter. In recent years grey nurse sharks have become regular visitors to the wider Bass Point area. Kelp coverage has increased significantly, partly because sea urchins that graze it were once killed by divers – leave them alone. Easy access, a range of depths and a forgiving route make The Gutter suitable for everyone from trainees to photographers.
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 Gutter (Bass Point) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Wollongong & Kiama. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Gutter (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 Gutter (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
Weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish, squid, moray eels, nudibranchs, leatherjackets, striped seapike, bream, striped morwong, eastern hulafish, large rays, sponges, gorgonians, sea tulips, kelp
Location
Large incision in the rock platform on the northern side of Bass Point, near the gravel loader; entry into a gutter leading to canyons and sponge-lined gullies to 18–20 m.
Facilities nearby
Bass Point Reserve: toilets, picnic tables and grassed gear-up areas, no fresh water or barbecues (bring your own); reserve gate may close on total fire ban days. Air fills 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.infoshellharbourscuba.com.auvisitnsw.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
