Oak Park

Dive Site Summary

Rating:

Beginner

Average Depth:

8 metres

Maximum Depth:

10 metres

Average Visibility:

5-10 metres

Latitude:

-34.070722 °

Longitude:

151.156918 °

Tide Dependant:

Yes

Out

Slack

Best Wind Dir:

North

South

East

West

Amenities:

Location and Access

Located at the end of the Cronulla Peninsula on the southern outskirts of Sydney, Oak Park is a very popular dive location especially for learners and novice divers. Having said that, Oak Park is an excellent "easy" dive for beginners and experts alike and is also a popular night dive location. This dive site begins at the end of Jibbon Street, Cronulla, adjacent to Oak Park. Alternative parking can be found by parking at the end of Glaisher Parade then walking down the laneway to the water.

Description

The dive site itself is a number of reefs which run in an arc from the shore, first towards the east and then north-east and finally north. The reef is about two to three metres high and has numerous low caverns or overhangs that are home to many beautiful fish including the occasional Blue Devil. This site is also home to the friendliest blue gropers that you will ever find on a shore dive, almost to the point of being annoying. The site is fairly protected from southerly winds and seas, but very big swells from that direction and basically anything from the east or north can wipe out this site from an entry/exit point of view. Oak Park can also be affected by stormwater runoff from Port Hacking during periods of heavy rain, the mouth of which is only a few hundred metres away. Visibility can range from 3 up to 15 metres, averaging 7 to 8 and is marginally better on an incoming tide.

The entry and exit points can be made from two spots. It is common to enter the water on the right hand side of the pool from the beach, however if the tide is a little lower you can easily enter from the north east corner of the pool.

If you enter from the corner of the pool, swim out about 20 metres to the south-east before descending. Keep an eye on the seafloor as you snorkel and you will pass over the edge of the wall. Descend here.

If you are entering through the southern side of the pool, take care when getting in and out as the water is normally very shallow here and there are many rocks on the bottom. Snorkel out at least 10 metres past the end of the pool before dropping to the bottom. The depth here is about 3 metres. Start the dive to the north-east and you will soon encounter the wall at about the same spot as previously mentioned.

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Phone:	02 9523 1518
	+61 2 9523 1518 (Intl)
Fax:	02 9523 1030