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. 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. 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, Maccas, Hungry Jacks and Red Rooster.
Another site I discovered towards the of 2008 is Oporto. This is located along the northern edge of the reef. After Red Rooster Reef, the reef heads north-west and for a short distance north-east. From here it turns to the west and runs back towards the northern end of Jobbon Bombora. I am not sure what it does after that as I have not yet explored it.
The location of Oporto is xxx (to come). The sand off the edge is about 25 to 26 metres deep and the reef is about 22 metres. At this location the reef has a large, low overhang. This is actually on the south side of a section of reef that sort of loops back from the north-east on the south side to west on the north side. There is also a sort of small tunnel here between the overhang and a large, low rock.
The fishlife here is prolific. We saw seapike, silver sweep, trevally, one-spot pullers as well as a few very large yellowtail kingfish.
To the weat on the northern side, the reef runs for a long way. After about five minutes you seem to come to a dead end as the reef edges. This is a sort of island, linked to the main reef only by the edge that you have followed. Head south from here and after a minute or so you reach the main reef again.
Head back to the east to the anchor site. You can then explore to the south-west and south along the edge back towards Red Rooster.
A great dive site that deserves more exploration.
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