Gaol Reef sits just 100 metres off the historic Trial Bay Gaol ruins in Arakoon National Park, a compact rocky reef roughly the size of two tennis courts. This sheltered shore-dive alternative to Fish Rock comes alive with green turtles, lionfish, pineapple fish, moray eels, octopus, and critter-loaded weed gardens hiding anglerfish and nudibranchs. The mixing influence of the East Australian Current brings a crossover of temperate and tropical species. Depths of 6-12m with low-profile reef, small gutters, overhangs, and ledges make it a rewarding slow-paced macro hunt.
Gaol Reef
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 7.3 sWind Speed 11 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility drops significantly after rainfall or in moderate swell from the south or east. Typical visibility 8-15m in settled weather.
Low risk: Southerly / easterly swell
Swell from the south or east creates surge and reduces water clarity. Best snorkeled on calm days with minimal swell.
Low risk: Shallow reef at low tide
The reef is shallowest at low tide, reducing clearance over rocks and bommies. Best visited on a rising or high tide.
Low risk: Kelp and weed coverage
Kelp and dense weed growth can entangle fins and obscure rocky ledges and crevices.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located offshore from Trial Bay Gaol ruins in Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks. Enter via the historic Trial Bay Gaol carpark off Cardwell Street. From the carpark, walk approximately 100m to Front Beach (about 20 steps down). The reef is roughly 100m offshore, parallel to the headland.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Trial Bay Gaol kiosk carpark, including 4 accessible spots, about 100m from the beach.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
National Park entry fees may apply. Check NSW National Parks for current rates.
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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