Meet the site
The Wollongong Offshore Artificial Reef was deployed by NSW Fisheries (DPI) in September 2019 as part of the state's program of purpose-built offshore reefs to enhance recreational fishing. It consists of steel pinnacle reef towers with a vertical profile of up to 12 m, placed on sand at 32 m about 2.4 km off Perkins Beach and 2.5 km south of the Five Islands Nature Reserve. Two marks are published for the structures.
The towers act as fish-aggregating structures in otherwise featureless sand. DPI lists yellowtail kingfish, snapper, silver trevally, mulloway, yellowtail scad and blue mackerel as target species, and similar reefs elsewhere on the NSW coast develop a cover of sponges, ascidians and other encrusting growth within a few years, along with resident morwong, leatherjackets, bullseyes and wobbegongs. For divers the appeal is the chance to see dense schools of pelagic fish around a tall, open structure in blue water.
The reef was designed for fishing, not diving, so there are no moorings and the site is heavily fished – lost lines, lures and sinkers are an entanglement hazard, and divers should carry a cutting tool and avoid diving when boats are fishing directly over the towers. The depth (tops around 20 m, sand at 32 m) makes it a dive for Advanced divers comfortable in open water. Published dive reports are scarce, so specific details of growth and fish life on this reef are not yet documented; confidence is moderate. It is a worthwhile addition to the Wollongong boat dives on a calm day, perhaps combined with Martin Islet on the way back.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Wollongong Offshore Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Wollongong & Kiama. 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.
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 Wollongong Offshore Artificial Reef 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 Wollongong Offshore Artificial Reef 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 kingfish, snapper, silver trevally, mulloway, yellowtail scad, blue mackerel (DPI target species); encrusting growth developing
Location
Steel pinnacle reef towers up to 12 m high deployed by NSW DPI in 2019 on sand at 32 m, about 2.4 km off Perkins Beach and 2.5 km south of the Five Islands.
Facilities nearby
Port Kembla Outer Harbour ramp; air fills at United Divers and Shellharbour Scuba.
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
dpird.nsw.gov.auseabeesfishingclub.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
