Osbourne Shoals (also known as Osborn Shoal) is a submerged sandstone reef platform lying off Cronulla Beach in Bate Bay, between Kurnell and Bundeena. The reef top is flat and carpeted in kelp and sponges, while the eastern, northern and southern edges drop sharply from 12 to over 20 metres, creating dramatic walls, overhangs, and the famous Meditation Cave — a natural swim-through adorned with jewel anemones, gorgonias and sea squirts. One of Sydney's most rewarding offshore snorkel and dive sites.
Osbourne Shoals
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal flows over the reef edge can be strong, especially on dropping tides; the shoals sit exposed in open waters of Bate Bay.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Osbourne Shoals is accessed by boat and lies in a busy marine area near Cronulla. Snorkellers must remain vigilant for vessel traffic.
Moderate risk: Depth hazard
The reef drops abruptly from 12 m to 20+ m on the eastern, northern and southern sides. Snorkellers should stay on the shallow reef top.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Swell and wind patterns typical of Bate Bay can reduce water clarity to just a few metres, particularly after easterly or southerly winds.
Low risk: Anchoring difficulty
The flat reef top offers poor anchor hold; boat-based parties need care not to drift onto the reef.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Osbourne Shoals is located directly offshore from Cronulla Beach in Bate Bay. Launch from Cronulla or the boat ramp at Gunnamatta Bay. GPS marks (WGS84): 34° 03.4883' S 151° 11.2691' E. Line up with the middle of The Kingsway at Cronulla (western mark) or align the sewerage outlet breather pipes at Potter Point with the dune ridge left of Cape Baily Lighthouse (northern mark).
Parking & facilities
Street parking available along The Kingsway and surrounding Cronulla streets. Pay parking applies in some areas during summer.
parkingboat_ramp
No direct entry fee. Boat launching fees may apply at Gunnamatta Bay boat ramp.
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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