

The Cutting at Farkernell is a wall and cave dive that drops to between 24 and 29 metres, making it strictly advanced territory. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres depending on conditions, and while currents are typically mild, they can strengthen without much warning. The wall and cave structure provides excellent habitat for wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, and moray eels tucked into crevices, while southern eagle rays and bull rays cruise the deeper water. Giant cuttlefish, blue groper, and nudibranch add detail to the reef sections, and schools of yellowtail are a regular presence mid-water. August tends to bring the clearest conditions.
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Time your entry around slack water to manage the current risk, particularly near the cave sections where flow can intensify and entanglement hazards require careful buoyancy control. A torch is worth carrying into the cave regardless of ambient visibility.
The site is located in Kurnell within the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, which requires an entry fee. Access requires an 800m walk with all dive gear from the car park at the end of the road past the whale watching site. The entry point is a cutting in the cliff face, and entry should be made from the ledges on the southern side of the cliff face. This is a difficult entry and requires a long surface swim.
This is a challenging shore dive for experienced divers only due to the difficult entry/exit point, potential for white water/swell along the cliffs, and the requirement for a long surface swim. Rescue services may take a while to reach this location. Do not attempt entry when white water is visible.
Depth
24-29m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
14-21°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Aug
The Cutting Farkernell in New South Wales hosts wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, southern eagle rays, and giant cuttlefish. Divers regularly encounter bull rays, moray eels, blue groper, and schools of yellowtail. This shore dive site near Sydney offers diverse temperate marine encounters between 24 and 29 metres depth.
The Cutting Farkernell requires an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent due to depths reaching 29 metres. Open Water certified divers may access the site under appropriate supervision, but advanced skills are essential for managing the depth and mild currents. This New South Wales dive site is classified as advanced level.
The Cutting Farkernell ranges from 24 to 29 metres depth, making it an advanced shore dive. The site near Sydney requires proper deep diving skills and gas management. Visibility varies between 10 and 30 metres depending on conditions.
August is the best month to dive The Cutting Farkernell in New South Wales. Water temperatures range from 14 to 21 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 metres during optimal conditions.
The Cutting Farkernell is accessed via shore entry from the Sydney coastline with parking facilities available. No boat is required to reach this New South Wales dive site. The shore entry provides direct access to depths of 24 to 29 metres.
The Cutting Farkernell presents entanglement risks, deep depths to 29 metres, and strong currents. Divers should carry cutting tools and maintain proper buoyancy control throughout the dive. Advanced certification and experience in temperate Australian conditions are essential for safe diving at this Sydney site.
The Cutting Farkernell is not suitable for beginners due to its advanced classification and depths of 24 to 29 metres. The site near Sydney requires Advanced Open Water certification and presents entanglement risks and strong currents. Only experienced divers with proper deep diving training should attempt this New South Wales shore dive.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at The Cutting Farkernell in Sydney. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 21°C.
The Cutting Farkernell in Sydney has depths ranging from 24 metres to 29 metres.