Dive Site: The Steps

About The Steps

The Steps is a celebrated shore dive site nestled within the Kamay Botany Bay National Park at Kurnell, on the southern side of Botany Bay in Sydney, New South Wales. This accessible location, named for its convenient concrete steps leading to the water, offers divers a rich tapestry of kelp-fringed boulders, expansive sand patches, and colourful sponge-covered reef ecosystems, providing exceptional habitat for temperate marine species. The underwater topography features a series of sandstone reef platforms and intricate boulder formations extending from the rocky shoreline, with channels, gutters, and small walls creating varied exploration at depths ranging from 5 to 18 meters. While the main nearshore terrain lies between 5 and 13 meters, deeper areas can be explored, making it suitable for both Open Water divers and those seeking a slightly more challenging route. The site is particularly famous for its resident weedy seadragons, which are a primary draw for many local divers. Beyond these charismatic creatures, patient observers can discover giant cuttlefish, eastern blue gropers, various rays, sharks, a multitude of nudibranchs, and other cryptic macro life. The area's marine ecosystem is further enriched by seasonal visitors and the influence of the East Australian Current, bringing tropical fish to the NSW coast during warmer months. Typically an out-and-back shore dive, entry is via a rock platform below the stairs, requiring careful assessment of conditions like tide, current, and swell. Divers can choose eastern or western routes, adapting their plan based on the day's conditions, team's gas, and desired depth, ensuring a flexible and engaging dive experience for a range of skill levels.

Dive site facts: The Steps

Depth

4–18 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, depends on tide

Visibility

5–12 m

Water temperature

16–23 °C

Entry

Shore / concrete steps to rock platform

Level

Open Water equivalent with shore-diving experience

Dive type

Shore, reef, macro, temperate

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Kurnell, New South Wales, Australia

Coordinates

33.8973° S, 151.2891° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at The Steps are generally manageable within the sheltered confines of Botany Bay, but they can vary and require careful planning. Dives are often best conducted around slack water or on a mild incoming tide to optimize conditions. Divers can choose to explore east or west from the entry, selecting a route that opposes the usable current for an easier return journey. For one-way drift dives, specific local knowledge, an inspected exit, and organized shore logistics are crucial. Visibility typically averages between 5 and 12 meters, improving during calm weather and outgoing tides. While surge can affect the final approach to the exit, especially in reduced visibility, thermoclines are not prominently mentioned as a consistent feature. Divers should always monitor gas, no-decompression limits, depth, and prevailing conditions, ensuring an early turn-around to comfortably reach th

Marine life & sighting chances

Weedy seadragon

Year-round, best in winter · common

Giant cuttlefish

occasional

Eastern blue groper

common

Wobbegong shark

common

Port Jackson shark

Seasonal · occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Eagle ray

occasional

Pygmy pipehorse

occasional

Potbelly seahorse

occasional

Anglerfish

occasional

Bull ray

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Kingfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry is via concrete steps leading to a rock platform at Kurnell. Divers should inspect the entry and exit from above before gearing up, noting conditions and available ledges. The usual descent begins in approximately 4 meters of water over shallow boulders. These boulders meet sand at about 5-6 meters, with kelp flanking either side. Divers choose to explore either east or west, depending on current conditions, as both routes offer worthwhile out-and-back diving. The eastern route progresses over kelp to boulders and sponge-covered reef, deepening gradually to 16-18 meters, known for seadragons and macro life. The western route features boulders, sponge growth, and optional swim-throughs, with a wall of large boulders around 5 meters parallel to shore, providing a good return leg. Throughout the dive, monitor gas, no-decompression limits, depth, and current, planning to turn back early enough to comfortably regain the exit. The exit cue involves a break in the kelp leading south across shallow boulders, combined with depth, shape, and compass direction. A safety stop is conducted as part of the planned ascent.

Underwater photography

The Steps is a prime location for macro and super-macro photography, especially for capturing the iconic weedy seadragons, numerous nudibranchs, pygmy pipehorses, and potbelly seahorses. A macro lens with a diopter is highly recommended to bring out the intricate details of these cryptic species. Wide-angle photography can also be rewarding for capturing the kelp forests, sponge gardens, and larger inhabitants like eastern blue gropers or wobbegong sharks. Consider using a wide-angle rectilinear lens for the topographical features and schools of fish. External strobes are essential to properly light subjects and restore natural colors in temperate waters, which can otherwise appear monochromatic. A focus light or a powerful dive torch is invaluable for spotting well-camouflaged creatures like seadragons within the kelp and for navigating swim-throughs. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is critical to avoid disturbing the fragile sponge and kelp habitats and to get steady shots in varying currents. Patience is key for photographing seadragons, which can be elusive; move slowly and minimize disturbance to increase your chances of close encounters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Sutherland Point

  Sutherland Point offers an accessible shore diving experience along the dramatic coastline of Kurnell in Botany Bay, Sydney, New South…

• The Monument

  The Monument dive site, located within Botany Bay at Kurnell in Sydney, Australia, is named for its proximity to the Captain Cook landing…

• Henry Head

  Henry Head is a captivating intermediate-level dive site situated at the mouth of Botany Bay in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

• Dragons Lair

  Dragon's Lair is a renowned dive site located in New South Wales, Australia, specifically near Sydney.

• Magic Point

  Magic Point stands as one of Sydney's most iconic dive sites, recognized as a vital habitat for the critically endangered grey nurse shark…

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Steps is via Kurnell, located within Kamay Botany Bay National Park, New South Wales. The nearest major international airport is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), which is well-connected globally. From the car park at Kurnell, an opening in the fence leads to rough-hewn steps and a narrow stair-and-bridge section down to the rock platform, serving as the entry/exit point. Divers must carry their gear carefully down these steps. This is a shore-diving site, eliminating the need for boat transfers or liveaboards for this particular dive. Local dive centers in the Sydney area, such as Abyss Scuba Diving in Ramsgate, offer guided shore dives and equipment rental. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for diving The Steps itself, though national park entry fees may apply for vehicle access to Kamay Botany Bay. This site is typically enjoyed as a day trip or part of a multi-day diving excursion exploring various shore and boat dives around Sydney.

Safety & environment

For diving at The Steps, the closest recompression chamber is located in Sydney, emphasizing the importance of responsible diving practices and comprehensive dive insurance. Evacuation from the shore entry point would involve carrying an injured diver up a series of steps, which can be physically demanding. Site-specific hazards include potential currents that can shift, especially with tidal changes, and swell or surge near the entry/exit rock platform, which requires careful assessment before gearing up. Divers should always inspect the conditions from above, identify safe entry/exit points, and plan their dive to align with slack water or manageable incoming tides. Reduced visibility, combined with current and surge, can make familiar terrain appear different, so maintaining good compass navigation and adhering to a pre-arranged gas plan with early turn times is crucial. Always dive with a buddy, ensure equipment is well-maintained, and do not exceed training and experience levels. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended for all divers.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Steps FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Steps

These liveaboards may visit The Steps on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$408/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day