The Steps

The Steps is the exit point for The Leap drift dive and a world-class shore dive in its own right — one of the most celebrated macro sites on the entire east coast. The site sits inside Kamay Botany Bay National Park and is best known as Sydney's most reliable location for Weedy Sea Dragons, where these spectacular critters drift through the kelp and sponge gardens at depths averaging 10 m. The boulder fields in the shallows hold an astonishing density of smaller life — nudibranchs, flatworms, crabs, and invertebrates that have been largely undisturbed for decades under national park protection. The species count here is exceptional relative to its depth and distance from shore.

Tide matters significantly here. The site is best dived on an incoming tide 2 - 3 hrs before high slack. You'll be against the current for the first leg but then get to drift back to the exit. The current delivers nutrients across the reef and the sea dragons are most active in the gentle flow. Outgoing tides bring stronger current and reduced visibility and should be avoided where possible. Waves above 0.7 m and or moderate easterly swells are reasons to choose another day.

Good finning technique at The Steps matters more than at most Sydney sites. The boulders are blanketed in soft corals, sponges, and encrusting growth, with macro life tucked into every crevice — a careless fin stroke near the bottom silts out the reef, crushes hidden critters, and can damage soft coral that took years to establish. Frog-kick and keep your fins elevated ensuring your knees are bent 90 degrees. Flutter-kicking horizontally over the boulders is not appropriate here.

The steps down to the entry point descend a sheer cliff. It's steep and use of the railing when descending in full equipment is a must. If diving with a twinset (yes it's possible) or even a single, take your time on the way back up. It's important to avoid elevated exertion, especially if your nitrogen load is high. Be aware boat traffic is common so always surface in the shallows along the shoreline — otherwise a DSMB should be released.

A National Park day fee of $8 per vehicle applies. Nearest toilets are at the Discovery Centre. Abyss Scuba Diving is 18.6 km (21 min).