

Best for beginner divers, 2-16m, shore entry, mild current.
Merrimbula Wharf is a shore-accessible reef and cave site in Merimbula, Australia, suitable for beginners. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 16 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. The site features a small cave and the wharf structure itself, which attracts diverse marine life. Common sightings include Eastern Blue Groper, Smooth Rays, Common Sydney Octopus, and various wrasses. Less frequently, divers may encounter Pot-bellied Seahorses, Spotted Wobbegongs, Port Jackson Sharks, and Fiddler Rays. Entry is via the rocks, requiring caution regarding surf and breaking waves. Be aware of boat traffic and potential entanglement hazards from fishing lines under the wharf structure.
-36.89890, 149.92770
Time the dive on a rising tide for the cleanest water and the most active marine life around the pylons.
Park at the Merimbula Wharf car park. Access to the rock platform is through a small gap between the wall and the aquarium building. Entry is a giant stride from the rocks on the western side of the small point, and there is a sloping rock that provides a good exit point.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 16m
Visibility
5-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
16-22°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Common species include Eastern Blue Groper, Smooth Rays, Common Sydney Octopus, and various wrasses. You may also encounter Pot-bellied Seahorses, Spotted Wobbegongs, Port Jackson Sharks, Fiddler Rays, Green Morays, Eagle Rays, and occasionally Stonefish or Blue Dragons.
Yes, the site is considered suitable for beginners due to its manageable depths and mild currents.
The depth ranges from 2 to 16 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres.
This is a shore dive with entry over the rocks. Parking is available nearby, minimising the distance gear needs to be carried.
Yes, the site is suitable for snorkelling and holds a rating of 4/5.
Key hazards include boat traffic, cold water, entanglement in fishing lines, low visibility, and surf. Entry and exit over the rocks should be avoided during southerly swells.
Diving at Merrimbula Wharf in Merimbula requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Merrimbula Wharf in Merimbula. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 22°C.
Merrimbula Wharf in Merimbula typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Merrimbula Wharf in Merimbula typically ranges from 5 metres to 20 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.