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The Gantry

3.4 — based on 13 community signals
4.3 12 species 34 contributors

The Gantry at Bawley Beach is a protected dive site inside Bawley Point Reserve, offering year-round access to diverse marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Bawley Point Reserve updated 6 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Marine life
Common octopus

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
The Gantry location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
6.8 kn
Wave
1.16 m
Water
19°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: S (26%)
Now: SW (227°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.33m

Next: High at 05:00 (+0.52m)

+0.8 m0 m-0.5 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.52m ▼ 11:00 · -0.19m ▲ 17:00 · +0.73m ▼ 23:00 · -0.42m
Wed 4Thu 5Fri 6Sat 7Sun 8Mon 9Tue 10
UV7.8 · high Air PM2.54 · good 05:53 19:31
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
11-04 9.8 1.28 8 0mm
11-05 10 2.58 8 2mm
11-06 9.5 2.26 8 0mm
11-07 15.3 2.82 5 5mm
11-08 14.8 2.84 8 1mm
11-09 12.5 2.74 8 0mm
11-10 7.5 2.5 9 0mm

About this spot

The Gantry is a dive site located at Bawley Beach near Bawley Point Reserve on the Australian coast. Sitting within a marine protected area, this spot draws divers looking for consistent access to healthy reef systems and diverse marine species. The reserve status means the site receives protection that supports thriving ecosystems year-round. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine life typical to this region's waters. With 12 documented species observations and 3 community videos available, you'll find solid local intel on what to expect beneath the surface. The protected status ensures that the site maintains its ecological value and continues to support vibrant fish populations and reef structures. Access is available throughout the year, making The Gantry a reliable option for divers planning trips to the New South Wales coast. The reserve designation reflects the area's ecological importance, and visiting here means exploring a site managed for long-term health. Local dive communities have documented their experiences, so you can review footage and sighting records before your dive. Whether you're a visiting diver or local exploring your region's underwater terrain, The Gantry offers the advantage of a protected marine environment with documented marine activity and community support.

📖 Guide: Diving in Australia: 61 Sites from Coral Reefs to Cold-Water Wrecks

Marine life

Common octopus

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type I · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌘 Moon Waning crescent · 39%
  • GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 17101km · ~3933kg · €71

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 53/100
  • Visa: e-Visa · 90 days max
  • Flight: 16h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 9h east · 6 days recovery

FAQ

›When is the best time to dive The Gantry?

The Gantry is accessible year-round, so you can plan dives any season. Check local conditions and water temperature before booking, as Australian coastal weather varies by season.

›What marine life can I expect to see?

12 species observations have been documented at The Gantry. Review the community videos and sighting records available online to see what divers have encountered on recent trips.

›Are there any permits or restrictions?

The Gantry lies inside Bawley Point Reserve, a marine protected area. Check current regulations with local authorities before diving to confirm any access requirements or restrictions.

›Where can I find recent dive reports?

Three community videos and species observation data are available online. These provide valuable insight into recent conditions and marine activity at the site.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

79 records · 48 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Austrobalanus imperator

Maxillopoda · Austrobalanidae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Jan 2026
×1records

Jorunna pantherina

Gastropoda · Discodorididae
GBIF
Last seen:
25 Jan 2026
×1records

Leptograpsus variegatus

Malacostraca · Grapsidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Jan 2026
×3records

Ocypode cordimana

Malacostraca · Ocypodidae
GBIF
Last seen:
18 Jan 2026
×2records

Hinea brasiliana

Gastropoda · Planaxidae
GBIF
Last seen:
15 Jan 2026
×2records

Cardita aviculina

Bivalvia · Carditidae
GBIF
Last seen:
13 Jan 2026
×1records

Bullina lineata

Gastropoda · Aplustridae
GBIF
Last seen:
13 Jan 2026
×1records

Octopus tetricus

Cephalopoda · Octopodidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×2records

Heliocidaris tuberculata

Echinoidea · Echinometridae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Ischnochiton smaragdinus

Polyplacophora · Ischnochitonidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Plocamopherus imperialis

Gastropoda · Polyceridae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Phlyctenactis tuberculosa

Anthozoa · Actiniidae
GBIF
Last seen:
5 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Bawley Point Gantry, NSW

Sean Elliott - Underwater Video
💬 1 top comments
  • Nice mate. Used to spear off there 30-40 years ago. Brings back a lot of memories

    @garrycomans5889 · 👍 1

Bawley Point Gantry | NSW - diving with sharks, rays and the octopus | more SCUBA with Jenny Geldart

Jenny Geldart (Narcosis Films)

The Gantry South Solitary Island

Mark Spencer
wind peaks Oct-Sep-Nov, calmest Mar-May-Apr, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jan (100/100) Worst: Sep (0/100) Now: Nov (50/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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