Shiprock, Port Hacking River

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/ New South Wales Australia
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Scuba Diving in Shiprock, Port Hacking River, New South Wales Australia

Maximum Depth:
20m/65.6ft
Port Hacking is located in southern Sydney, at about 30 km/19 mi south of Sydney's CBD (Central Business District). The area to the north of Port Hacking is more developed than the area to the south, which forms the northern boundary of the Royal National Park. It is south of Cronulla and northeast of Bundeena.

Port Hacking River is very popular among water-sports fans. The estuary and bays are used for many recreational activities such as surfing, wake-boarding, water skiing and scuba diving. Shiprock is a popular dive site. It is considered to be the best night dive in Sydney.

The site is appropriate for novice and advanced divers alike. The average depth here is at 12 m/39.4 ft and the maximum is at 20 m/65.6 ft. Visibility is medium and varies from 5 m/16.4 ft to 10 m/32.8 ft but it is better on high tide. Shiprock can be dived at both high or low tide, due to its position, inside Port Hacking.

Water temperature is up to 21°C/69.8°F in summer and early autumn months and between 14-18°C/57.2-64.4°F in winter. Shiprock is home to an abundant marine life including blue groper, sea dragons, sea horses, morays, goat fish, wobbegong, Port Jackson sharks, luderick, giant cuttlefish, old wife, yellow-tail and angel fish to name just a few. It is a crowded spot, especially on weekends, so watch out for boat traffic.

Apart from diving, there is a variety of activities, attractions, restaurants and bars that lie on the streets around Cronulla. Note: be careful of the currents.