Depth 26 m max depth
Dive site profile
Henry Head
Sydney, New South Wales, AustraliaAbout this dive site
Explore the water around New South Wales
No doubt Sydney's premier sponge gardens. Rockley is a site that has a broad variation of sponges and sea squirts, and it possesses a dazzling range of colours. The depth of the site ranges from twelve meters down to approximately twenty-six meters along towards the main shipping channel. There are large boulders at the sand line while many ledges, overhangs and swim-throughs can be found throughout the reef. The extensive fish population includes groper, yellowtail, old wife, mado, morwong, cuttlefish, and if you carefully check over the sponges you will find red Indian fish. If you look under the overhangs, be sure to see the eastern blue devilfish and are indubitably will see some cuttlefish in addition. Keep your eyes open for sea dragons as there are quite a few to be seen. Best dived on an incoming tide.
Site details
Water type Salt
Dive type Ocean
Useful Training
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
Plan the dive
Dive Conditions
Dive Types
- Ocean
Water Entry
- Boat
- Shore/Beach
Suggested Equipment
- Camera
What you may encounter
Marine Life
Dive site gallery
Photos from Henry Head
Diver feedback
5.0
5 reviews
I have been diving Henry's Head for years and it is cracker of dive site. The amount of macro life at this site has to be seen to be believed. This place is home to lots of Sydney's Pigmy Pipefish (Idiotropiscis lumnitzeri)!!! If the water is clear you will see shoals of bait fish and other reef fish. This dive is a boat dive and can be done on either the incoming, slack or outgoing dive, however the dive plan would obviously need to be adjusted due to the current associated with the respective tides. For the clearest water, typically at the end/top of the incoming tide is best. (But remember definitely not essential) My favourite time to dive this site is during the night under torch light. The sponge gardens and macro life really will blow your mind.
I have been diving with Abyss for many years and Henry's Head is one of the top dive spots on their calendar. It can be accessed by all divers. The topography of the dive consists of swim throughs, crevices, large boulders, hangovers and gullies. There is an abundance of marine life from eels, large bull rays, cuttlefish and blue gropers. Marty skippers the boat (which is one of the best dive boats in Sydney) and always anchors in the best spot. An awesome dive shop with a 'top-notch' team.
Did my advance open water here and loved it.
On 18 February 2022 I went on the ABYSS double boat dive to Henry Head, departing 7 am. The dive boat was fantastic, designed for divers, not some modification or add on to a second rate boat not designed for the task. Our hosts Rachael and Marty were glamorous and delightful; full of positive “we will keep you happy” energy. They were both very well organized. I had been pre-assigned a premium quality dive buddy and boat seat before I arrived. The rock formations and sponge gardens at Henry Head were mesmerizing, some of the best sponge gardens I have seen anywhere in Australia. The diversity of small critters including numerous kinds of nudibranchs was beyond what one could photograph professionally on a dozen dives. The dive site also has the advantage that it is often protected from north east swells. The early morning dive was a perfect start to the day.
Henry Head is an excellent divesite. Great swim throughs and interesting reef overhangs. We saw a huge variety of fish... red morwong, grouper, Eastern blue devil fish, cuttlefish, bream, weedy sea dragons, nudibranchs and beautiful sponge gardens. Highly recommend this divesite.