

Best for beginner divers, 6-13m, boat entry, strong current.
Elbow Cave is a boat-accessible site in New South Wales featuring a combination of cave, canyon, and reef topography. The site is situated 13 kilometres from shore and offers depths ranging from 6 to 13 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Divers should be prepared for strong currents, which often necessitate drift diving, and surge in shallower areas. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres. Due to the overhead environment and potential for strong currents, divers should be proficient in deploying a surface marker buoy. The site is best dived around slack water to manage current conditions.
-29.93046, 153.39072
Time your dive around slack water to manage the strong current, and brief your group on surge inside the cave before entry. Grey nurse sharks are most reliably spotted resting on the sandy floor of the cave, so move slowly and avoid shining your torch directly at them.
The site is accessible via boat charter from Wooli, which is approximately 7 nautical miles away. Public moorings are available at North Solitary Island for private vessels.
Recorded at this site
Depth
6-13m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
20-26°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
The site features grey nurse sharks and wobbegong sharks, which are often found resting on the sandy floor of the cave. Other marine life recorded at the site includes eagle rays, turtles, painted crayfish, anemonefish, firefish, nudibranchs, and barracuda.
While the site is described as beginner-friendly due to its shallow depth, the presence of strong currents and an overhead environment requires divers to be competent and comfortable with drift diving and DSMB deployment.
The site ranges from 6 to 13 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Elbow Cave is a boat dive located 13 kilometres from the shore. Boat access requires calm conditions.
Diving is possible year-round, with the site accessible throughout January to December.
Diving at Elbow Cave in Wooli requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Elbow Cave in Wooli. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Elbow Cave in Wooli. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C.
Elbow Cave in Wooli can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Elbow Cave in Wooli typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.