Lighthouse Wall Drift is a thrilling drift dive-and-snorkel site below Warden Head Lighthouse on the NSW South Coast. Following the base of a sheer 4-metre rocky wall that drops from 14 to 18 metres, the gentle southward current carries you past a vibrant reef teeming with gorgonias, sea squirts, and colourful sponges. Cracks and crevices hide moray eels, while sandy patches reveal small rays and occasional bullrays. As you drift, schools of silver sweep, yellowtail, and seapike swirl overhead, with red morwong, sergeant bakers, and nudibranchs on the reef crest. The 600-metre-long drift ends near shallow boulders off the southern end — a truly immersive underwater journey straight off the lighthouse cliff.
Lighthouse Wall Drift (Ulladulla)
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 7.4 sWind Speed 6.3 knPrecipitation 23 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Lighthouse Wall Drift (Ulladulla) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth exceeding 18 m danger
The sandy bottom sits at 14–18 m, increasing to 23 m further along. Beyond the range of recreational breath-hold snorkelling, this site is best suited to freedivers or scuba-equipped snorkellers with advanced experience.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Depth exceeding 18 m
The sandy bottom sits at 14–18 m, increasing to 23 m further along. Beyond the range of recreational breath-hold snorkelling, this site is best suited to freedivers or scuba-equipped snorkellers with advanced experience.
Moderate risk: Ocean Current (southward drift)
A moderate southward current runs along the wall, which can sweep snorkellers away from the entry point. The drift typically covers 600 m over 30–40 minutes. Requires good fitness and awareness.
Moderate risk: Limited shore access via rocky channel
The channel between Lighthouse Bommie and the shore is navigable only in calm weather. Swell and surge can make entry and exit hazardous.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Water temperature can drop to 15°C (59°F), requiring a thick wetsuit for comfort and safety. Hypothermia risk for inadequately prepared snorkellers.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The site lies directly below Warden Head Lighthouse, off Deering Street at the southern end of Ulladulla. Most divers and snorkellers launch via boat from Ulladulla Harbour or Rennies Beach. The GPS starting point is 35°21.793'S 150°29.630'E. Limited car parking exists at Warden Head; visitors are encouraged to park at the playing fields on Deering Street and walk the scenic path to the lighthouse.
Parking & facilities
Limited parking at Warden Head Lighthouse; overflow parking available at the playing fields on Deering Street (short walk required).
No fees for parking or site access. Boat launch fees may apply at Ulladulla Harbour.
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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