Meet the site
The Hole is the deep sibling of Burrill Rocks, a large wall about 400 m east of the rocks that Michael McFadyen describes as one of the more spectacular deep reefs off Ulladulla. The reef top is at 25–26 m and on its eastern side it drops to 32–33 m, running north-east to south-west. Large boulders sit at the base of the wall, giving way to smaller rocks and then sand further out. The boulders form small overhangs, caves and swim-throughs, and several small canyons and gullies cut into the wall.
The name comes from a hole-and-tunnel feature described in local dive guides. The Marine Life Network describes a small hole about 2 m wide in an indentation in the reef (the Amphitheatre) that leads into a small cave. McFadyen admits he had trouble finding it, and plenty of divers enjoy the site without ever seeing it. The draw is the invertebrate growth that comes with the depth: sponges including a species that looks blue at depth but turns brilliant crimson under a torch, large numbers of small gorgonians, dense clusters of sea squirts and black coral trees, which are unusual this shallow in NSW. Fish include big schools of yellowtail and silver sweep, bastard (Tasmanian) trumpeter, one-spot pullers and eastern blue devilfish.
This is a deep dive with limited bottom time. On air, divers get only about 15–17 minutes before decompression, so it suits Advanced or Deep-certified divers who plan their gas, use a computer and preferably nitrox. It pairs well with a shallower second dive on Burrill Rocks, a few hundred metres away. Visibility is usually good this far from shore, which shows off the colour of the wall. Photographers should bring a strobe or torch to see the real colours.
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 Hole (Ulladulla) is recorded as Reef in Ulladulla. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Hole (Ulladulla) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Hole (Ulladulla) 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 scad, silver sweep, bastard (Tasmanian) trumpeter, one-spot pullers, eastern blue devilfish, crimson/blue sponges, gorgonians, sea squirts, black coral trees
Location
Deep wall about 400 m east of Burrill Rocks, 4 km south of Ulladulla Harbour; reef top at 25–26 m dropping to 32–33 m on the eastern side.
Facilities nearby
Ulladulla Harbour boat ramp, toilets and parking; air and nitrox fills at Dive Adventures Ulladulla (check nitrox availability).
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.infomarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.