The Steps

The dive

After entering, swim towards Bare Island for about 20 metres. Descend among the large boulders and make your way down to the sand at around 10 metres. Follow the sand edge east, where the water slowly deepens to about 15 metres.

Look closely at the sponge-covered rocks and you’ll find a wide variety of nudibranchs, with lace coral, sea fans and sea squirts around them. Many rocks carry a reddish weed; search it carefully and you may find a pygmy pipehorse.

Weedy sea dragons

On the sand at 12 to 15 metres, within 3 or 4 metres of the rocks, you should see weedy sea dragons. Look carefully: they’re easily mistaken for pieces of kelp. In late winter and early spring you may even see a male carrying eggs.

Getting in and out

The stairs are the main challenge. They’re long and steep, and harder with full gear on after a dive. Swell can close the entry completely.

Park on Cape Solander Drive, just past the Kurnell Visitors Centre, in the large car park where the road bends. It’s a national park, so a daily parking fee applies.

Conditions and tips

The site faces north-east and is exposed to the tidal flow in and out of Botany Bay, so the current can be strong. Dive at slack water, around 30 minutes before high tide. It’s well protected from southerly winds. If the wind is from any other direction, especially the north, or the waves are over 1 metre, choose another site. Carry a surface marker buoy, as there’s boat traffic. Winter usually brings the best visibility.