The Monument, located at Inscription Point on the Kurnell Peninsula, is a rocky headland marking the northern entrance to Botany Bay. This spot offers sheltered snorkeling along sandstone ledges and shallow reef flats, with clear waters near the site where Captain Cook first landed in 1770. The underwater terrain features low-profile gutters, boulder fields, and seagrass beds that attract a variety of reef fish, making it a unique historical and ecological snorkeling destination in Sydney's southern reaches.
The Monument
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.7 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 2.5 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Proximity to the Kurnell Ferry Wharf and shipping channel in Botany Bay means vessels pass nearby. Snorkelers should remain vigilant and stay close to shore.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
As a headland at the bay entrance, outgoing tides can produce moderate currents around the point, particularly on larger tidal movements.
Low risk: Slippery rocks
Sandstone ledges and boulders at the entry point can be extremely slippery when wet or algae-covered.
Low risk: Sharp reef edges
Low-profile reef and boulder fields may have sharp edges; reef shoes or fins are recommended.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Drive to Kurnell via Captain Cook Drive. The Monument/Inscription Point is located within Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near the southern headland of Botany Bay. Follow signs from the Kurnell Visitor Centre.
Parking & facilities
Pay parking available at the Kurnell Visitor Centre car park, with additional roadside parking along Cape Solander Drive near the headland.
toiletsparkingpicnic_tablesdrinking_water
Park entry fees apply for vehicles entering Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Check NSW National Parks website for current rates.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near New South Wales
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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