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Diving the Illawarra: Bandit Reef
This is a rarely dived site, about 18km north east of Wollongong harbour, lying in deep water starting at around 32m. The main feature is a wall, that drops down to more than 45m. An experienced diver can usually start the dive on top of the wall, and pick the depth he/she wants to dive to.This site is a favourite of anglers in the Illawarra, given that it attracts an enormous amount of fishlife. I’ve never seen walls of fish like I’ve seen here, on a dive in March 1997 the schools of yellowtail and sweep just had to be seen to be believed. It was like looking at a shimmering wall about 10m high and 20m long. The site is known for big fish - marlin have been seen by divers here, as have hammerheads and kingfish.
United Divers operate about one trip a month to Bandit Reef, but it is essential to book early, this charter usually fills quickly. Be prepared for having to go to an alternative site - if the conditions aren’t good, an alternative site will be selected. An 18km trip is a long way in a bumpy see and a medium size boat. Also be prepared for strong currents at the surface - the site is offshore and prone to the east coast currents.
With the minimal bottom times at these depths, some might ask as to whether its worth it. It is.