Type:
Shore Dive
Depth:
12 metres
Visibility:
Usually Good

The dive site is named after the adjoining park, which has BBQ’s, picnic tables, showers and toilets, playground and a small sandy beach with a sea pool. This sea pool is where to start the dive.

On the eastern side of the pool a rocky reef forms an area that is home to a variety of marinelife. It is also this reef that produces waves that surfers find appealing. A wall about 3 metre high is part of this reef and it is this wall that divers follow.

Entry and exit can be made from the back of the pool. However an alternative entry and exit can be made from the southern side of the pool. Entering and exiting can be made difficult by wave action, especially at the back of the pool. When entering from the back of the pool, take a bearing on Jibbon point, which is to the south-east and snorkel on this bearing until the reef drops-off, a distance of around 30-40 metres. It is at this point that you descend and start the dive. If entering from the southern side of the pool, snorkel east until you are about 10 metres past the end of the pool. This is where the wall begins and is around 3 metres deep.

The wall first heads east then gradually turns to the north. As the wall turns to the north it becomes less distinctive. However a farther 15 metres to the east another wall bears north-south but takes a sharp turn to the east at the southern end. Following this wall to the north there is a cave. The cave is marked by and old porcelain urinal. The cave is home to a number of fish and a large school of bullseye.

Small overhangs are found all the way along the wall. Kelp covers the shallow parts of the reef and forms a home for numerous colourful crimson-banded wrasse and leather jacket.

During the colder months, large cuttlefish frequent the area, probably looking for suitable mating partners. Friendly blue groper follow divers around hoping for a feed. Caution must be taken when feeding due to their large teeth and powerful jaws.

Dives as far as the rock pile are common with dives out to the cave being made if air consumption and conditions are favourable.

Octopus and Moray eels have made their homes amongst the rocks that form the rock pile. Often a school of yellowtail swim past divers as they search in these rocks. Several beautiful species of Nudibranchs graze on the algae covered rocks and boulders. Hydroids and Sponges of all colours as well as tube worms grow along the entire length of the wall.

Visibility is effected by outfall from the Port Hacking river, especially after heavy rain. Sometimes the visibility has been as good as 30 metres, but is usually 5-10 metres.

Oak Park makes a first class night dive with many nocturnal creatures leaving their daytime hide-aways to forage for food. Navigation is easy at this site, all you do is follow the wall out with the wall being to your left and return with the wall being to your right. Divers should take caution when surfacing away from the entry and exit points due to the boats that pass in this area. Take a torch with you to search under the overhangs and for the cave.

Because this site is popular, parking in Jibbon street is restricted. There are "No standing" signs at the eastern end of the street and police patrol the area regularly. Resident have even been known to draw the police’s attention to parking offenders.