Marley Point is a pristine dive and snorkel site in Sydney's Royal National Park, about 5.5 km south of Port Hacking. The protruding point shelters a boulder-strewn reef dropping to a sandy bottom at 20-22 m, with caves and swim-throughs under huge boulders. The water here runs exceptionally clear thanks to the absence of nearby stormwater or river runoff, offering excellent visibility. Expect huge schools of yellowtail and silver sweep, friendly blue gropers, wobbegong sharks, sea dragons on the sand, and colourful gorgonians and sea tulips on the walls. Access is by boat only — anchor just south of the point on the sloping rocky reef. Calm conditions are essential, especially in westerly or north-westerly winds.
Marley Point
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 8.0 sWind Speed 1.5 knPrecipitation 9.5 mmTidal Phase flood
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© WcwarrenDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Marley Point has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Southerly wind swell danger
Southerly winds make anchoring unsafe — the boat may hang back over shallows with risk of being pushed onto the shore if the anchor slips.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Southerly wind swell
Southerly winds make anchoring unsafe — the boat may hang back over shallows with risk of being pushed onto the shore if the anchor slips.
Moderate risk: Strong north-easterly winds
The return trip from Marley Point can be very rough in strong north-easterly winds, making the crossing hazardous for small boats.
Moderate risk: Strong north-easterly winds (Jan-Feb)
North-easterly winds continue to pose a risk in summer months for the boat journey back.
Moderate risk: Cave/swim-through hazards
Underwater caves and swim-throughs beneath large boulders — limited visibility inside, risk of disorientation; only for experienced divers and snorkelers.
Low risk: Rocky reef anchor holds
Anchoring is on a sloping rocky reef; anchors can slip if not properly set, especially in changing wind conditions.
Low risk: Remote location
5.5 km boat run from Port Hacking with no patrolled beach or immediate emergency services nearby.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
From Sydney, drive to the Royal National Park and launch at Port Hacking (e.g. Gunnamatta Bay or Bundeena). From Port Hacking, it is a 5.5 km boat run south along the coast to Marley Point. GPS coordinates: 34° 06.9383' S 151° 09.0691' E (WGS84). Anchor just south of the inside of the point on the sloping rocky reef where it meets the sand.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at boat ramps in Port Hacking / Gunnamatta Bay area (fees may apply in Royal National Park).
parkingboat_ramp
Royal National Park entry fees may apply for vehicles. No direct fees for snorkeling at Marley Point 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