Sponge Gardens is a celebrated dive and snorkel site located roughly halfway along the Point Perpendicular headland on the northern side of Jervis Bay, NSW South Coast. Named for its spectacular underwater sponge gardens, this site features a sloping rocky reef dropping to a sandy bottom at around 34 metres, with colourful sponges, gorgonians, and a 5-metre wall at the 30-metre level riddled with swim-throughs and overhangs. In the shallows, giant boulders have created numerous small caves and holes to explore. The crystal-clear temperate waters of Jervis Bay make this a visually stunning site, rich with filter feeders and reef fish.
Sponge Gardens
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 5.8 knPrecipitation 26 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Sponge Gardens has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Swell and surge danger
Exposed to ocean swell wrapping around Point Perpendicular; only diveable in calm conditions, as surge can push snorkelers into the rocky wall.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Swell and surge
Exposed to ocean swell wrapping around Point Perpendicular; only diveable in calm conditions, as surge can push snorkelers into the rocky wall.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Point Perpendicular headland is used by boats accessing Jervis Bay; snorkelers must keep watch for vessel traffic.
Moderate risk: Depth and drop-offs
The reef drops steeply from shallow boulder terrain to 34 metres; depth can surprise inexperienced snorkelers.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Sponge Gardens lies off Point Perpendicular, the northern headland of Jervis Bay, roughly midway along the cliff face. It is accessible only by private or charter boat, typically launched from Currarong or Huskisson. The site is about 25 km south of Nowra via the Princes Highway and local roads to Currarong.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Currarong boat ramp car park on Crookhaven Road, Currarong. Arrive early on weekends as spaces fill quickly.
parkingboat_ramp
No fees for snorkeling the site itself. Launch fees may apply at Currarong boat ramp (check with Shoalhaven Council). Snorkel tours from Jervis Bay operators are priced separately.
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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