Sydney · New South Wales
Gordons Bay
An Eastern Suburbs shore dive with a long-established underwater nature trail.
Gordons Bay, between Clovelly and Coogee, has an underwater nature trail marked by a chain running along the bottom — one of the oldest such trails in Australia.
The boulder terrain and kelp hold a solid range of temperate species, and the bay is sheltered enough for comfortable diving in most conditions.
It is a regular training and night-diving site for Eastern Suburbs divers.
Max depth
18 m
typically 10 m
Access
shore
Current
minimal
Water temp
17–24°C
Level
intermediate
| Region | Sydney |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | shore |
| Site type | reef |
| Minimum depth | 3 m |
| Typical depth | 10 m |
| Maximum depth | 18 m |
| Current | minimal |
| Visibility | Commonly 5–15 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 17–24°C |
| Experience level | beginner, intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- eastern blue gropers
- Port Jackson sharks seasonally
- octopus
- cuttlefish
- wobbegongs
- nudibranchs
- rays
Access
- Shore entry from the boat ramp area.
- Rocky entry requiring some care.
- Sheltered from most swell directions.
Hazards
- boat traffic from the small boat ramp
- surge in swell
- slippery rock entry
- fishing line
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other dive businesses in the area
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Gordons Bay?
Depths range from around 3 metres to roughly 18 metres, with a typical profile around 10 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Gordons Bay suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Gordons Bay?
Access is shore based. Shore entry from the boat ramp area.
Is there current at Gordons Bay?
Current is recorded as minimal. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Gordons Bay?
Commonly reported marine life includes eastern blue gropers, Port Jackson sharks seasonally, octopus, cuttlefish, wobbegongs, nudibranchs. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Gordons Bay?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 5–15 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Gordons Bay?
Gordons Bay is in the Sydney region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.