Magic Point

Magic Point is one of Sydney's most legendary dive sites, renowned for its reliable encounters with grey nurse sharks in a dramatic underwater setting off the coast of Maroubra in New South Wales, Australia. With depths reaching 25 meters, this intermediate-level site delivers genuinely thrilling diving just minutes from Australia's largest city. The site consists of a series of rocky ledges and overhangs that extend from the coastal cliffs into the Tasman Sea. The key feature is a large cave-like overhang at around 15 to 18 meters depth where grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus) aggregate, particularly during the cooler months. These impressive sharks, which can reach over 3 meters in length, are a critically endangered species in Australia, making encounters at Magic Point both ecologically significant and deeply memorable. The grey nurse sharks at Magic Point are remarkably tolerant of divers, often allowing close approaches as they hover motionless in the current beneath the rocky overhang. Their prehistoric appearance - heavy-set bodies, protruding teeth, and slow, deliberate movements - creates a primal underwater experience that ranks among the best shark diving anywhere in Australia. Multiple sharks may be present at once, sometimes numbering a dozen or more during peak aggregation periods. Beyond the sharks, Magic Point offers diverse marine life typical of the Sydney coast's temperate reef ecosystem. Port Jackson sharks are common residents, and the rocky reef supports wobbegong sharks, large blue groper, cuttlefish, and dense schools of yellowtail and bullseye. The exposed position means pelagic visitors including kingfish and bonito frequently pass through. The intermediate rating reflects the depth, the exposed oceanic location, and the swell that can affect the site. Divers should be comfortable in open water conditions and have sufficient experience to manage their air consumption at 20 to 25 meters. Entry is typically by boat from nearby marinas. Visibility ranges from 8 to 20 meters depending on conditions and recent weather. Water temperatures vary from about 16 degrees in winter to 23 degrees in summer. The shark aggregation peaks from May through October, making winter the prime season despite the cooler water. Magic Point truly lives up to its name, offering world-class shark encounters within a short boat ride of downtown Sydney.