Written by Peter Perry (Associate Instructor, SDA)

Location / How to get get there.

La Perouse. Follow Anzac Parade all the way to a T-junction, turn left and continue South for about another 1/2Km to the Island near the entrance to Botany Bay. Alternatively follow Bunnerong Rd all the way to the ocean heading South. Keep looking left for the old Fort. There is only one access road down to Bare Island Fort.

Local creatures.

Weedy Sea Dragons.Moray Eels, Hermit Crabs, Big Blue Groupers (Blue Wrasse) and a host of others to name a few.

Amenities.

Public toilets are located on the ocean side of the road opposite the public bus shelter. Approx 200mtrs before Bare Island Fort private access road.

Experience Level.

Beginners through to Advanced. Depending on distance travelled and air consumption.

Precautions inc Wind, Waves, Currents, Tides.

Exercise caution in strong Easterly, South Easterly and Southerly winds as this can result in sizeable wind swell and unfavourable conditions. Avoid diving in moderate South Easterly and Easterly swells. Beware of outgoing tide at far Southern and South Eastern tip of of Island as this can produce a strong current. Can be dived at high or low tide.

Best time to dive.

An incoming tide will provide the best visibility due to clean water coming into the bay.

Where to enter/exit.

(1) Favourable conditions, entry can be made at the North Eastern side of the bridge.Via the goat track left before bridge (exercise caution). Entry and exit near bridge. (Shoulder roll entry)

(2) Alternate entry & exit can be north west side of bridge( Shoulder roll or Giant stride entry.)

(3)Entry or exit via ramp on southern island side of bridge. Suitable ledges run along western side for exits.

Navigation.

 (1) Snorkel out S-E 10 mtrs. Start decent keeping the rocks on your right hand side. You will start to head in a southerly direction. You can follow the sand line. Don't forget, if you go up on the ledges and rocks, heading east will bring you to the sand, and north is back to exit. When returning to the exit point the wall will change direction to a Westerly heading. You will notice growth plates bolted to the wall on your left hand side. On the third one you should be in a narrow channel, head in a NW direction and you will be heading to the exit point. (2)Keep heading West till just past the pylons of the bridge, then head North. (3) Keep heading West past pylons then head South.

Points of interest.

Old Cannon Ordinances (use common sense, look - don't touch) Age approx 100yrs. Plate Coral most Southerly growth outside the GBR, near deep ledges. PJs inhabit ledges and sand areas in colder months. Admirality anchor partly buried in sand. Pretty sponge gardens.

Tips (from the pro)

Know your limits,swim short swims and look closely you will be surprised what is there! You don't have to go deep or far to have FUN!

ENJOY.