Written by Peter Perry (Associate Instructor, SDA) 

Location / How to get there.

See directions to Bare Island in 'East Wall' site description. The North Wall runs parallel to the road where you park your car (where the private access road is) on the mainland side of the channel between La Perouse and Bare Island

Local creatures.

Weedys, both juvenile and adult. The MALES carry the female's eggs. PJs and Wobbygongs. Frogfish, Grouper and lots of things to see and photograph. You just have to look and swim slowly.

Amenities.

Shops are situated at Frenchmen's Beach, Which is West of the Bus Station. Experience Level.

Beginners to Advanced, depending how far you go and your air consumption.

Precautions - including Wind, Waves, Currents.

This site offers shelter from prevailing N-E, S-E , E and partial shelter from a Southerly wind. Once again exercise caution and judgement in a moderate swell. As it's not uncommon for Easterly and South Easterly swells to wrap around the Island causing wave action and surge on exposed areas of the North Wall such as Vince's Point, being the outermost Western tip. Currents will be noticable as the wall changes from a West to a Northerly direction.

Best time to dive.

Like most sites the incoming tide offers the cleanest visibility due to the flooding tide. Consideration must be given to how far you intend to explore and your air consumption. If you venture out past Vince's Point, there will be current, be it high or low tide.

Where to enter/exit.

(1) Entry can be made at on the North-Western side of the bridge. This is reached by turning left before going across the bridge following the goat track down, making sure of your footing, reaching the bottom and heading around to your right and under the bridge. The entry point is roughly 5M from the bridge. a giant stride or shoulder entry is suitable as there is enough depth. A suitable ledge next to it offers a safe exit, and crawling with mask on and reg in is suggested. Sea Urchins don't pose a problem in this area but be careful. (2) Alternative entry/exit is the ramp (tide permitting) or the ledges further along the west wall.

Navigation.

(1) (From North Shore entry) Head in a Westerly direction, keeping the rocks on your right. Early in the dive you may notice rocks on your left, don't worry there are a few outcrops that you may have to go between. Keep an eye out for the ledges as they usually accomodate a mixed variety of marine creatures. You will eventually come down a nice little sand ramp and increase depth. Once again keep the rocks on your right. Depth ranges from 6-10 mtrs. (2) (from the Gun Ramp) Head North until you hit the reef then turn left, you will be heading in a Westerly direction. Remember the reef changes direction in certain areas eg. North for short distances then West. At Vince's point and beyond depths can reach 13.5mts at high tide along the reef/sand line. As you head North around the point there are some large boulders. The heading will gradually change to N-E then to East, by this time your depth will be around the 8mtr mark.Keep to the left of the weed line, following the sand, and you will end up at the cutting normally at a comfortable pace after 50 min. Keep the rocks on your left on the return leg.

Points of interest.

The Boulders can house Woobeygong sharks and PJ's in colder months. At Vince's Point heading South out across the sand is 12ft upside down boat complete with outboard motor.(Juan could find it blind folded)

Tips (from the pro).

Know your limits. Plan your Air, Depth and Time. Do short swims, get familiar with the site and navigation. Enjoy this site. We are fortunate to have such diverse sites such as Bare Island. Have fun and safe diving.