

The Cod Grounds sits within a Commonwealth Marine Reserve off the NSW coast, offering deep reef diving between 18 and 46 metres. This protected site draws advanced divers for its resident grey nurse sharks, which patrol the reef ledges throughout the year. The depth and exposure create consistent visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres, allowing clear views of the reef structure and its inhabitants. You'll encounter substantial black cod lurking in the deeper sections, whilst jewfish and kingfish cruise the mid-water column. Wobbegong sharks rest on the reef substrate, and rays glide across the sand patches between rocky outcrops. Sea turtles pass through regularly. During winter months, the chance of humpback whales appearing in the blue adds another dimension to the dive. Mild currents make depth management the primary consideration rather than drift conditions. The boat-only access means you'll need to coordinate with local operators who know the site. Given the depths involved, plan your bottom time carefully and bring appropriate exposure protection for the cooler water at depth. The marine reserve status has allowed fish populations to thrive, making this one of NSW's more reliable sites for larger pelagic species alongside the signature grey nurse shark encounters.
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Plan your dive profile before descending as the deeper sections quickly eat into no-decompression limits. Check with operators about current grey nurse shark activity, as they tend to favour specific ledges depending on season and conditions.
Access is via boat only, approximately 5.5km to 7.4km (4 nautical miles) offshore from Laurieton/Camden Haven. Diving must be conducted with a licensed tour operator. Anchoring and mooring are currently prohibited in the marine park.
As a deep dive site, divers should be aware of risks associated with nitrogen narcosis and decompression. The site is a critical habitat for the endangered grey nurse shark, and divers must adhere to the NSW Code of Conduct for diving with them.
Depth
21-46m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Current
Mild
Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve in New South Wales requires advanced and deep diver certifications. The site reaches depths between 18 and 46 metres, making it suitable only for divers with advanced training and experience in deeper water diving. The reserve is located off North Haven and demands strong technical skills for safe exploration.
Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve hosts grey nurse sharks, black cod, and large pelagics including jewfish and kingfish. Divers regularly encounter wobbegong sharks, rays, and sea turtles, whilst humpback whales migrate through the area seasonally. The site's protected status ensures abundant and diverse marine populations throughout the year.
Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve ranges from 18 metres to 46 metres in depth. This advanced dive site off North Haven requires deep diving certification due to the maximum depth exceeding recreational limits. The varying depth profile allows exploration at multiple levels during a single dive.
Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a boat-only dive site with no shore access. Located offshore from North Haven in New South Wales, the site requires a boat charter to reach the dive location. The remote positioning contributes to the site's pristine condition and limited diving pressure.
Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve is not suitable for beginner divers and requires advanced certification. The site's depths of 18 to 46 metres, boat-only access, and mild currents demand experienced diving skills. Only divers with advanced and deep speciality certifications should attempt this challenging New South Wales location.
The primary hazards at Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine Reserve are the deep depths reaching 46 metres and boat traffic in the area. Divers must carefully manage their depth and bottom time to avoid decompression issues. Surface marker buoys are essential for safe ascents due to the presence of boat activity above the dive site.
Cod Grounds in North Haven has depths ranging from 21 metres to 46 metres.