Michael McFadyen's Scuba Diving - Red Rooster Reef
Jibbon Bombora is one of the most prominent landmarks (or sea marks since it is always submerged) off the southern coastline of Sydney. Located just outside Port Hacking and immediately to the south, it is a location that most boaties steer well clear of as many a boat has been lost on the bombora. The reef breaks in nearly all seas and is normally easily seen.
The reef to the east of Jibbon Bombora is quite extensive and undived. From Pizza Reef, the reef runs north for about 480 metres before turning west and running in towards the northern end of the bommie. Along this section of reef there are many dive sites, including KFC and Maccas. Another site towards the northern end of the reef is Red Rooster Reef. The original dive site here was called Pizza Reef (since it is round) and subsequent sites we have named after other fast food outlets as these are always found near each other.
The rough GPS mark for the anchoring spot is 34° 04' 46"S 151° 10' 52"E - Note not 100% accurate - (note that all my GPS Readings are using AUS66 - if you use any other datum, you will need to convert the reading - see my GPS Page for more details). Run towards the west and the mark and when the bottom comes up from 27 metres to 22 metres, drop anchor.
There should be a small inlet near where you anchor. Head north from here and you will find a very prominent wall with some small boulders on the sand. A little north of the small inlet there is an Admiralty Anchor about 3 metres off the wall. As the depth on this dive averages about 25 metres, you will only get a bottom time of about 26 to 29 minutes. I would turn back after about 12 to 13 minutes and come back on the top of the reef. Look under all the overhangs and you may find some interesting fish.
Once back at the anchor, if you still have time head a little south along the wall and about 25 metres south you will find a very small cave and a few more isolated rocks.
There is a resident seal in this area, so keep an eye out for it. A nice dive, with lots of fixed marine life like sponges, sea squirts, gorgonias and giant jelly ascidians.
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