The Best Spots in NSW for Underwater Photography
It was 2021, during the height of the pandemic, when I bought my first underwater camera setup (in fact, the only camera I’ve ever owned!) Living alone in lockdown, I needed something to break the monotony — and what started as a rather expensive hobby, quickly turned into an obsession. Underwater photography gave me another reason to dive deeper, hold my breath longer, and chase those fleeting moments of magic that most people never get to see.
Fast forward to 2025: I’ve just been named Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographer in the Animal category for my series of underwater portraits — all taken at some of my favourite local dive sites. And, I’ve been reflecting on the locations that bring me the most joy to shoot.
These five NSW dive sites are perfect for photographers of a whole range of levels. Some are full of moody, dramatic structures; others are teeming with marine life — and each one offers something unique to help your shots stand out.
#1: The Cathedral, Bondi
Tucked away off the northern tip of Bondi, at about 16 metres deep, lies The Cathedral — a hidden underwater cave that feels like diving into another world. Accessing it requires a solid swim from the boat ramp, but on a calm, clear day (15m+ visibility), the journey is well worth it. After descending to around 15 metres, you swim through a narrow 6-metre long tunnel that opens up into a cavern flooded with breathtaking beams of sunlight. These rays slice through the water, spotlighting the intricate rock ledges and creating a cathedral-like sanctuary beneath Bondi’s iconic waves.
Difficulty Level – Advanced: Best suited to confident freedivers with strong breath-holds and good awareness at depth.
Pro Tip: Go with someone who knows the spot well — it’s one of Bondi’s best-kept secrets and notoriously difficult to locate.
#2: The Gravel Loader, Shellharbour (2 hours south of Sydney)
An old industrial structure turned freedive playground, the Gravel Loader is a great site for capturing moody, atmospheric shots (my favourite kind!) The jetty’s huge pylons stretch far out into the ocean, creating dramatic lines and symmetry — perfect for underwater compositions. On a good day, you’ll find large schools of old wives and yellowtail scad weaving through the deeper sections, adding movement and texture to your shots. If the sun’s out, keep an eye on how the light filters through the gaps — the shadows and beams are just beautiful.
Difficulty Level – Intermediate: The dive site is accessible via the boat ramp just east of the gravel loader. It’s a fair swim out, and conditions can get sketchy with heavy swell or current, so it’s best suited to confident, experienced freedivers.
Pro Tip: Watch your head when you ascend — there’s a lot to bump into under there!
#3: Seal Rocks (3 hours n0rth of Sydney)
Seal Rocks is one of my favourite weekend escapes from Sydney, and the marine life here always puts on a show. From shy grey nurse sharks and ancient turtles, to - if you’re really lucky, massive fevers of cownose rays. There’s always something incredible to see at this location. Swim out from the south end of Boat Beach and make your way around the left-hand side of the rock. You’ll find intricate caves, lush kelp beds, endless rippled sand flats, and more marine life than you could ask for.
Difficulty Level – Intermediate: This spot is best for confident freedivers, as strong currents often sweep around the rocks and through the channel.
Pro Tip: Despite the name, you won’t find any seals here — but you will find sharks. Bronze whalers, bull sharks and even hammerheads are known to cruise through this area, so stay alert and keep close to your buddy.
#4: The Crevice – Terrigal (1.5 hours north of Sydney)
I love this dive site for its dramatic, otherworldly underwater cave. The entrance starts around 6 metres and drops to about 15 metres. Unlike Bondi’s Cathedral, this cave is very dark, narrow and textured — and if you’re lucky, you might spot grey nurse sharks lurking near the exit. The moody, atmospheric setting is perfect for wide-angle or silhouette shots, but like most things, you’ll only be rewarded if you time your dive right — picking a day with little to no swell and good visibility is definitely your best bet!
Difficulty Level – Advanced: Best suited to strong freedivers with good breath-holds, comfortable jumping from the rock shelf, and able to dive beyond 16 metres to fully enjoy the site.
Pro Tip: Bring a torch or video light to brighten the cave’s darker depths and reveal its hidden details.
#5: Cabbage Tree Bay – Shelly Beach, Manly
Cabbage Tree Bay is one of Sydney’s most popular and accessible dive spots. Protected and shallow, it’s teeming with marine life year-round — from blue gropers and bull rays to resident turtles, and even giant cuttlefish during winter. It’s an ideal location for beginners in underwater photography and a perfect place to experiment with light, movement, and even split shots.
Difficulty Level – Beginner: Easy shore entry and generally protected from swell, making it great for those just starting out.
Pro Tip: Winter is the best time to spot cuttlefish blending in with the sea kelp — these fascinating “aliens of the sea” put on an incredible show.
And that wraps up my go-to dive spots in NSW for underwater photography. Each site offers something different — whether it’s dramatic light rays, bold structures, curious marine life, or that rare sense of stillness you only find underwater. Sites like these never fail to spark creativity and remind me why I fell in love with shooting beneath the surface.
I hope this has inspired you to grab your camera, take a breath, and find your own perspective beneath the waves.
Another world awaits…
See you underwater soon!