Meet the site
Two Poles takes its name from the pair of telegraph poles on the cliffs at the northern end of Terrigal Beach that old-timers lined up to find the reef; one pole has gone, but the name stuck. Michael McFadyen places the site about 650 m off the cliffs and describes the main feature as a sand gutter, roughly 10 m wide, running south-east to north-west into the reef, with the gutter floor at about 19 m and the reef rising to about 12 m in one spot. The standard dive follows the gutter. Anchor at the sandy north-western end, swim down the southern side and back along the northern side, then use the remaining air on the shallower reef top. The gutter walls are broken into small boulders, cracks and overhangs, and near the anchor larger boulders and reef-top formations give more relief. The Terrigal Underwater Group highlights dense growth of gorgonian fans, and McFadyen notes small gorgonias in many colours alongside sponges and sea squirts. Wildlife is the real draw for many divers. Weedy seadragons are regularly seen around the reef, along with cuttlefish, wobbegongs, ladder-finned pomfrets, one-spot pullers and schools of yellowtail. Muddy Puddle Diver calls it a well-known and popular shallow site that was a mainstay before the ex-HMAS Adelaide arrived. McFadyen's verdict - a reasonable dive, interesting but not one of the greatest - is fair, and he notes it is often used as a second dive. Its easy depth, simple navigation and seadragon potential make it well suited to newer divers, photographers and anyone wanting a relaxed reef after a deeper first dive on the Adelaide or Foggy Reef.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Two Poles (Terrigal) is recorded as Reef in Central Coast. 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.
- 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 Two Poles (Terrigal) 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 Two Poles (Terrigal) 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 seadragons, gorgonian fans, sponges, sea squirts, cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, ladder-finned pomfrets, one-spot pullers, yellowtail
Location
A reef about 650 m off the northern cliff end of Terrigal Beach (south of Forresters Beach), with a south-east to north-west sand gutter cutting into it at about 19 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Terrigal Haven: paid parking, toilets, kiosk and dive shop.
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.infoterrigalunderwatergroup.commuddypuddlediver.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.