Meet the site
Truck Tyre Reef, also called Pistol Point, is the middle of three little-dived walls between Secluded Cemetery and Pistol Crack on the cliff coast north of Cape Banks. The main wall runs north–south with a flat reef top at 18 m and a face dropping to about 22 m, and beyond it the bottom continues out to 25 m and more. Near the anchorage a large rock leans against the wall at an angle to form a distinctive tunnel, and north of it the face carries dense sea squirts, sponges and gorgonians with small overhangs and ledges. The best section is actually out on the deeper ground: heading east to 25 m and then north brings you over reef carpeted with thousands of small fan-shaped sponges, an unusual sight in Sydney. South of the tunnel the wall swings west and the rock is noticeably cleaner, and it probably continues across a bare patch to Pistol Crack. The name comes from the numerous truck tyres wedged into the reef, relics of the Randwick council rubbish tip that once occupied the cliff top and shed debris into the sea. Cuttlefish, wobbegongs and moray eels are the regular residents, and black coral has been noted in the deeper sections. As with its neighbours the appeal is untouched reef fifteen minutes from a Botany Bay ramp with nobody else on it; McFadyen calls it a really good site worth diving more often. It is most naturally done as the deep first dive of a private-boat morning, or as the middle leg of the Secluded Cemetery to Pistol Crack drift.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Truck Tyre Reef / Pistol Point is recorded as Wall 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Truck Tyre Reef / Pistol 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 Truck Tyre Reef / Pistol 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
Cuttlefish, wobbegong, moray eel, black coral, fan sponges (thousands), sea squirts, gorgonians, yellowtail, seapike
Location
North–south wall south-east of Secluded Cemetery and north of Pistol Crack, about 1.4 km north of Cape Banks; flat reef top at 18 m, wall to 22 m, sand 25 m+, with old truck tyres jammed in the reef.
Facilities nearby
None.
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.infomichaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
