Diving Kurnell: Sydney’s Adventurous Shore Dive and Weedy Seadragon Hotspot

Talia Greis reckons that diving Kurnell represents one of the most exciting, adventurous underwater experiences in the Sydney region 

Located within the grounds of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell offers a range of different sites that are tucked away in an open oceanic embayment. The different profiles run along approximately 700 metres of coastline, which undoubtedly means you’ll be able to dive this slab of Sydney year-round, and always find something new and exciting.

Why Dive Kurnell Near Sydney?

Perhaps the main draw for dive enthusiasts is the fact that it is home to a large aggregation of weedy seadragons, which can be found and admired annually, in and among a beautiful backdrop of flowing kelp gardens, and towering, coral-clustered boulders.

And for all the macro junkies out there, you’ll have an absolute field day scouring the site for pygmy pipehorses, anglerfish of all shapes and sizes, potbelly seahorses and more. Your biggest problem will be trying to decide which site to take a splash in, as each profile has its own unique spin on underwater excitement.

Best Time of Year to Dive Kurnell

The best time of year to dive Kurnell’s sites would have to be during winter, when southerly swells bring beautifully clean water. Visibility often reaches in excess of 15 metres allowing you to truly appreciate these dive sites.

The Steps – Kurnell’s Signature Dive Site

Arguably the pick of the litter, and my personal favourite, The Steps is Kurnell’s Magnum Opus. An underwater masterpiece found at the foot of a cliff, which (you guessed it) can only be reached by scaling a gauntlet of steps…before AND after your dive. Certainly not for the faint of heart. But rest assured, the juice is worth the squeeze!

As you descend onto a 12m sandline, you’ll become engulfed by kelp bushels and sponge-covered boulders, which seem to pepper the grounds as far as the eye can see (pending visibility on the day of course). These natural artistic creations will be your playground for the next one to two hours, as you’ll discover an abundance of critters camouflaged within their habitual comfort zones.

Marine Life at Kurnell: From Weedy Seadragons to Macro Gems

I’ve found this site to be a hotspot for strange and bizarre creatures that are either local to Sydney waters, or that have drifted off the Eastern Australian Current. This includes several variations of anglerfish, common octopus, pygmy pipehorses, potbellied seahorses, nudibranchs, and schooling yellowtails. Due to its position in relation to the EAC, I’ve even been able to spot ornate, and robust, ghost pipefish here during very specific times of the year, as well as nudibranchs only found in the tropical regions of Indonesia. But as I mentioned, the major draw for this site is the fact that you’re almost guaranteed time in the water with a multitude of weedy seadragons. I’ve had as many as 15 sightings on a single tank, scattered throughout the weeds at this incredible dive site.

The Leap – Advanced Diving at Kurnell

This site is for the more-adventurous diver, as you’ll discover on your way to the entry point. After trekking down the stairs built into the cliff face, and scaling a few rocks and boulders, you’ll make your entry into the water by taking a giant stride off the edge of the rocks, leaping your way into the ocean off a one- to two-metre cliff. Hence the name The Leap.

This site is located between The Steps and Cape Solander, and quite exposed to the elements of open ocean, which is why it can only be dived on an incoming tide. After making your way into the water, drop down to about 20m and head northeast, letting the current carry you westward toward The Steps.

An underwater masterpiece found at the foot of a cliff, which (you guessed it) can only be reached by scaling a gauntlet of steps… before AND after your dive

The entry point is surrounded by bommies adorned with vibrant sponges, dramatic rock shelves, and intriguing swim-throughs that are teeming with life. This enchanting marine haven offers a diverse range of critters, showcasing the best of Sydney diving with marine life of all shapes and sizes. You’ll have the opportunity to find wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, giant cuttlefish, eastern blue devil fish, bull rays, schools of balling catfish, schooling kingfish, and all the glorious macro critters found at the Kurnell’s surrounding sites. This location even opens the door to finding sea spiders, at depths averaging out at about 18m. And if luck strikes, you’ll even stumble across a local seal, that likes to zip on through and scare divers.

Entry, Exit and Safety Considerations when diving Kurnell

All sites are a bit precarious with regards to entering and exiting the waters, and need to be treated with caution. For starters, The Leap can only be dived on an incoming tide, with southerly swells under the 1.5-metre range. Since there is no exit at The Leap, ensure your gear is in working order, and be confident in your ability to make it to the exit point at The Steps safely. Gas consumption and awareness of time is essential, for this reason I like to dive The Leap on a 15-litre tank or twins, to extend my bottom time without stress. The Steps and The Monument offer a bit of shelter from open ocean, but still need to be handled carefully, as crashing waves at the entry/exit point have caused problems for many eager divers.

Underwater Photography Tips for Kurnell

As an underwater photographer, selecting the right gear can make or break your dive. If you have the chance to bring a wide-angle set-up, I’d certainly do it! There are some great opportunities to capture the majesty of the site with, say, a weedy seadragon as your star. A close-focus wide-angle set-up is ideal, and can really only be achieved properly with good visibility, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for some local dive intel. Otherwise, a mid-range macro lens like a 60mm can be perfect for capturing the larger macro critters like anglerfish, seahorses, weedy seadragons, eastern blue devils and more. And for the super macro enthusiast chasing the super tiny critters like pygmy pipehorses and nudibranchs, it’s a no brainer to equip yourself with a 90-105mm.

The Monument

This site is on the most-protected end of Kurnell, and can therefore de dived with most swell conditions, within reason. I rarely dive this site myself, as I find most of the critters here can be found in greater numbers at The Steps. But there are far greater opportunities to find some supermacro gems that are unique to The Monument, especially if you’re a nudibranch enthusiast. In addition, be on the lookout for weedy seadragons, bull rays, pygmy pipehorses, giant cuttlefish, and during very specific times of year, ghost pipefish. The other unique aspect of The Monument are the sheer walls and impressive underwater topography. With clear visibility, pause to admire the craftsmanship of nature, and take in a truly magnificent spectacle of sponge gardens and towering rock structures.

Final Thoughts on Diving Kurnell

All in all, I’d have to say Kurnell is one of the best dive sites in the Sydney region. It has a little bit of everything for the underwater enthusiast, and rarely disappoints with regards to variety and abundance. Be sure to keep your wits about you, and analyse the conditions in the days leading up to your dive, knowing when to say ‘no’ in the face of heavy swells. But above all, be aware of the fact that these sites are absolutely teaming with life, and must be approached with caution and respect. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen divers kick a bushel that had a weedy seadragon hiding in it, or a photographer place their hand down on a bommie that was known for having pygmy pipehorses on it. To their detriment, these creatures are well hidden, and at risk of unruly dive etiquette. But in the end, remember to have fun in this truly magnificent stretch of Sydney!

Frequently Asked Questions