Meet the site
The Nursery is the most sheltered dive at the Jervis Bay entrance and the site where many Jervis Bay divers did their first open-water dives. It lies on the inside of the north-western corner of Bowen Island, protected by the island from southerly swell, and is typically dived when the sea is rough elsewhere. Moorings south of the point are used because anchoring appears to be prohibited.
The reef is modest in structure – small walls and isolated rock formations with many small cracks – ranging from 6–9 m on the reef to 3–5 m on top, with the mooring area at 12–14 m. What makes it special is the fish. McFadyen calls it some of the most impressive fish life he has seen anywhere: dense schools of yellowtail and striped seapike, luderick and bream in big numbers, and swarms of one-spot pullers around every rock. Weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish and blue groper are also regularly seen, and Deep 6 describes the sandy bottom with rock formations throughout as ideal for Open Water certification.
The shallow depth allows long bottom times, and the recommended approach is simply to take it slowly and let the fish come to you. It also makes an excellent night dive. In large swells waves can break on the point, and operators may then moor further off. Bowen Island is part of Booderee National Park and a sanctuary zone – no take of anything, and no landing on the island, which hosts a little penguin colony. For beginners, photographers and anyone wanting a relaxed, fish-filled dive, The Nursery is hard to beat.
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 Nursery is recorded as Reef in Jervis 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.
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 Nursery 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 Nursery 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, striped seapike, luderick, bream, one-spot pullers, weedy sea dragons, cuttlefish, eastern blue groper, leatherjackets, wrasse
Location
Sheltered reef of small walls and isolated rocks on the inside of Bowen Island's north-western corner, 3–14 m, with outstanding fish life; the standard Jervis Bay training site.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Huskisson (Dive Jervis Bay shop, air/nitrox, cafés) or Murrays Beach ramp in Booderee National Park (toilets, parking; park entry pass required).
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.infodeep6divingjervisbay.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.