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Diving the Illawarra: Martin Island
The furthest of the Five Islands from Wollongong, Martin Island is well worth the the longer boat ride. Like the other islands in the group, Martin Island actually consists of at least two distinct dive sites, both of which are deeper sites catering to the more experienced diver.Around the south-eastern corner of the island is a large wall, dropping from about 5m to a sponge gardens in around 28m, with distinct layers up the wall, and a couple of great pinnacles. On its day, this is a real action packed site, with large sting rays cruising around, wobbegong sharks, enormous schools of fish and true multilevel diving. Due to its location, Martin Island Wall can sometimes be afflicted by less than average visibility, but at other times can be exceptional. I really don’t think there are many better dive sites.
On the north eastern corner lies a series of gullies, known alternatively as Gorgonia Grotto or Terry’s Canyons. With deep channels down to 27m, this area offers lots to the diver, attracting a rich diversity of fish life, extensive sponge gardens, and even some good coral growth. The bottom of the canyons are home to a family of Bleekers Devilfish, large numbers of groper and schools of morwong, and the occasional kingfish.