If you want to go to the beach, forget about Bushrangers Bay, NSW. This bay is part of the Bass Point Reserve, just to the south of Shellharbour in the Illawarra region. But you’re not going to find golden sands here – just a rocky shoreline.
However, people don’t come to Bushrangers Bay to build sandcastles or surf. They come to dive and snorkel.
Diving and snorkelling at Bushrangers Bay, NSW
Bushrangers Bay is remarkably well protected from the ocean, meaning the water is usually fairly calm and placid. It’s not just humans that like this – marine life does too.
There’s a remarkable biodiversity under the water’s surface here, and it acts as a nursery for several species in that sweet spot between the temperate and tropical zones. This provides lots for divers and snorkellers to see, and usually ideal conditions for seeing it.
Marine species at Bushrangers Bay
The big seagrass beds at Bushrangers Bay provide a home for species such as the senator wrasse, blue grouper, southern Maori wrasse and striped trumpeter. For many of these fish, this is as far south as the species is found.
The bay is protected by an aquatic reserve covering just under four hectares. Fishing and removing marine life from here is banned.
Bushrangers Bay rock pools
It’s also worth looking for life at the edge of this New South Wales bay. The Bushrangers Bay rock pools are intertidal, and multiple invertebrates hang out here. It’s also worth looking at the holes in the cliffs, where you can often spot sea urchins.
It’s a 117km drive from Sydney to Bushrangers Bay, while the Wollongong to Bushrangers Bay drive is 25km long.
Other Illawarra beaches around Shellharbour include Warilla Beach, Shellharbour South Beach, Killalea Beach and Minnamurra Beach.
Bushrangers Bay: key visitor information
Note that car parks can fill completely on busy weekends and public holidays, particularly for divers arriving with equipment. Arrive early.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Bass Point Reserve? | The reserve is open daily. Gates open and close at set times (hours vary by season). Check with Shellharbour City Council for current gate times before visiting. |
| How much does it cost to visit Bushrangers Bay? | Entry to Bass Point Reserve and Bushrangers Bay is free. |
| Where is Bushrangers Bay? | Bass Point Tourist Road, Shell Cove NSW 2529. Approximately 4km south of Shellharbour Village. |
| Is there parking at Bushrangers Bay and Bass Point Reserve? | Yes. Free parking is available in several car parks within the reserve, but spaces fill quickly on weekends and public holidays. Arrive early to secure a spot close to the dive site. |
| What facilities are at Bass Point Reserve? | Toilets, picnic areas and a boat ramp are available within the reserve. Toilet facilities may be some distance from Bushrangers Bay itself. |
| Is fishing allowed at Bushrangers Bay? | No. Bushrangers Bay is a protected aquatic reserve. Fishing by any method is prohibited within the reserve. |
| Can you touch the coral at Bushrangers Bay? | No. Divers and snorkellers are asked not to touch the soft corals, as they break off easily. |
| What marine life can you see snorkelling at Bushrangers Bay? | Senator wrasse, blue grouper, southern Maori wrasse, striped trumpeter, sea urchins and a variety of tropical fish are all found here. Grey Nurse sharks are also occasionally spotted. |
| Are dogs allowed at Bass Point Reserve? | No. Dogs are prohibited in all parts of Bass Point Reserve. |
| Can you camp at Bass Point Reserve? | No. Camping is not permitted within the reserve. |
| Is off-road driving allowed at Bass Point Reserve? | No. Driving must be confined to roads and designated parking areas only. Off-road four-wheel driving is prohibited. |
Things to do near Bushrangers Bay
Shellharbour Village – A short drive from Bass Point Reserve, Shellharbour Village offers cafés, restaurants and the waterfront marina precinct, making it a good stop before or after a dive.
Killalea Beach (The Farm) – A short drive north of Bass Point, this popular surf beach is set within Killalea Regional Park and is known for its consistent waves, coastal walking trails and picnic areas.
Minnamurra Rainforest – Around 20 minutes from Bass Point, this Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area features a stunning elevated boardwalk through ancient rainforest with a waterfall at its heart.
Wollongong – Around 25km north, the Illawarra’s main city offers the historic Wollongong Lighthouse, a busy foreshore and the Science Space museum among its attractions.
Kiama Blowhole – Around 30 minutes south of Shellharbour, the famous Kiama Blowhole is one of the largest in the world, with an ocean pool and lighthouse headland nearby.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- First time visitors’ guide to Symbio Wildlife Park near Wollongong.
- Why the Eden Killer Whale Museum is worth visiting.
- Kiama attractions: Guides to visiting the Blowhole Point Ocean Pool and Bombo Headland in Kiama.
- Bermagui attractions: Guides to visiting Camel Rock and the Bermagui Blue Pool.
- The best places to see dolphins in New South Wales.
