Also known as "The Entrance Bommies" or "3 Mile Bommie," this expansive offshore reef system lies roughly 3 nautical miles east of The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast. Spanning approximately 30 hectares, the reef features diverse underwater terrain including shallow drop-offs, caves, channels, and reef walls plunging to 20 metres. Its nutrient-rich waters attract a dazzling array of marine life, making it a favourite for snorkel tours, spearfishing, and diving expeditions. The reef's size and structure offer multiple snorkelling zones to explore, from sheltered shallow areas to more exposed deep-water edges where pelagic fish school.
3 Mile Reef
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.8 sWind Speed 3.5 knPrecipitation 2.6 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Offshore boat traffic
Located 3 nautical miles out, boat traffic from fishing and dive charters operates in the area. Snorkellers should stay vigilant and surface with care.
Moderate risk: Ocean swell exposure
Fully exposed to easterly and northerly swells. Large swell conditions can create strong surge in the shallows and dangerous conditions.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
The offshore position and reef topography can produce unpredictable currents, especially around drop-offs and channels between reef sections.
Low risk: Depth changes
Reef drops from shallow bommies to 20-metre depths. Less experienced snorkellers should avoid deeper sections and strong drop-offs.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Boat access only. The reef is located approximately 3 nautical miles (5.5 km) due east of The Entrance township on the NSW Central Coast. Most visitors join a snorkel or dive charter departing from The Entrance, Terrigal, or Killarney Vale.
Parking & facilities
Park at boat ramp or charter meeting points in The Entrance or Terrigal. Street parking available near The Entrance boat ramp.
parking
Charter fees vary — snorkel/dive trips typically AUD $80–$150 per person. No entry fee for the reef itself.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports