The Gutter is a renowned shore dive at Bass Point Reserve, just south of Shellharbour on the NSW South Coast. Named for a dramatic V-shaped incision cut into the rock platform, this site offers a shallow rocky entry that drops to 3–4 m, then deepens to 18–20 m along a network of underwater canyons and gutters. The bottom is scattered with small rocks draped in kelp, with colourful sponge- and gorgonia-lined walls in deeper sections. Sheltered from southerly winds, it's a calm, accessible site that doubles as a picnic-perfect family day out on the grassed reserve above.
The Gutter
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.4 sWind Speed 3.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Depth change
Depth drops quickly from 3–4 m at entry to 18–20 m in the outer canyons. Snorkellers should stay near the shallow gutter and be aware of the rapid depth transition.
Low risk: Rock platform entry/exit
Entry and exit are over a slippery, uneven rock platform. At low tide the exit point shifts further up the gutter; caution needed when surfacing in 3 m of water.
Low risk: Kelp entanglement
Thick kelp growth on the rocky bottom, particularly in shallower sections (3–8 m), can snag fins and gear.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Sydney take the M1 south past Wollongong to the Shellharbour exit. Follow Shellharbour Road to the Shellharbour Workers Club intersection, turn hard right and follow the road into Bass Point Reserve. Past the gravel loader, follow the dirt road for ~2 km to the parking area on the left. Park as close to the north-western corner of the car park for the shortest walk to the entry.
Parking & facilities
Dirt car park on the left ~2 km inside Bass Point Reserve. Spaces are limited; arrive early on busy days.
toiletspicnic_tables
Free entry to Bass Point Reserve. No booking required.
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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