Best Places for Diving in Port Kembla, Australia
Dive into the underwater world of Port Kembla and discover its diverse marine life and stunning shipwrecks. Located on the Illawarra coast, this industrial port town offers a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Exploring the Wrecks
Port Kembla is home to numerous shipwrecks that have become artificial reefs and vibrant habitats for marine life. Here are some of the top diving spots:
- The Eastern Ship: A 60-meter Japanese freighter wrecked in 1975, now a popular site for seeing fish and lobsters.
- Western Wreck: Another large vessel, this 84-meter ship was also wrecked during the same incident as The Eastern Ship, creating an expansive dive area.
- The Tugboat Bessie: A smaller but still intriguing site, the tugboat Bessie rests at a shallower depth and is great for divers looking to explore in less current.
Natural Wonders
While shipwrecks are popular, the natural marine life around Port Kembla is equally fascinating. Take a dive into these sites:
- Shark Bay: Famous for its diverse shark species, including thresher sharks and great white shark sightings during certain times of the year.
- Broadwater Reef: A rocky reef with abundant coral and tropical fish, making it perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers alike.
- Port Kembla Breakwaters: Artificial structures that house a variety of marine life, offering a unique diving experience.
Migratory Routes and Unique Species
The area around Port Kembla also serves as a migratory route for various species, making it an exciting place to dive at different times of the year:
- Kurnell Seamount: A submerged volcanic mountain that supports a rich ecosystem, including large schools of fish and rare sea creatures.
- The Rock: A natural formation with intricate caves and ledges that attract pelagic species such as tuna and mackerel.
Top 20 Dive Sites in Port Kembla
- The Eastern Ship
- Western Wreck
- The Tugboat Bessie
- Shark Bay
- Broadwater Reef
- Port Kembla Breakwaters
- Kurnell Seamount
- The Rock
- The Wharf Wrecks
- The Southern Rocks
- The Northern Reefs
- The Illawarra Lightship
- The Southern Seamounts
- The Western Wreck Complex
- The Eastern Reefs
- The Inner Breakwaters
- The Outer Breakwaters
- The Kurnell Wall
- The Port Kembla Jetty
- The Shellharbour Heads
Each of these sites offers a unique dive experience, from exploring artificial reefs to observing migratory species and marveling at the natural beauty of Port Kembla's marine life.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, there's always something new to discover in the waters around Port Kembla. Plan your next adventure today and immerse yourself in this underwater paradise!