 Pussycat Island (Cape Banks)
How to get there:
Drive south along Anzac Pde near La Perouse and turn left, following the signs to the New South Wales Golf Club. Just before the entrance to the golf club, the road veers left. Follow this until you reach the parking area for the pistol club, next door to the Westpac Helicopter base. Park here and gear up.
Follow the track from here for about 400m and you will reach the bridge to the island itself.
It's a fairly tough walk but manageable if you pace yourself. If you attempt this dive in summer, take plenty of water and suncream as it is fully exposed
Where to dive:
Pussycat is divided into two separate divesites, the east (ocean side) and west (bay side)
Care should be taken when diving this site as it is subject to southerly and easterly winds, particularly the very exposed east side
By far the most popular side to dive is the west side which offers more protection from easterly swells and wind
To dive the west side walk over the bridge and turn right immediately at the tee off. Work your way carefully down the rocks to the large flat area of rocks
Enter the water here and either follow the countours along the island to the wreck which is clearly visible on the rocks around 150m from the entry point. Around this area, look for scattered remains and the boilerwhich isn't far from shore
Secondly, head out to the middle of the bay, around 200m and you will discover many gullies and channels at around 15-17m on flat sand
During the winter months this area becomes a nursery for many port jackson sharks but there is plenty to see at any time of year including gropers, weedy sea dragons and nudibranchs
Altogether, this is a largely undiscovered site because of its remoteness so get exploring and check it out.
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