Old Man's Hat

Region: North Head, NSW

Skill Level: Intermediate

Depth: 10-25m

Water Temperature: 16-20°C

Visibility: Typically 10-15m, up to 25m; often clearer below about 15m

Best Time to Dive: Year-round; good when north-easterly sea breezes blow; incoming or high tide for better visibility

Marine Life: Sponge gardens, soft corals, gorgonians, sea squirts; weedy seadragons, red indianfish, Port Jackson sharks (late winter), crested horn sharks, wobbegongs, anglerfish, octopus, bream, sweep, luderick, yellowtail, leatherjackets, ladder-finned pomfrets

Hazards: Heavy boat traffic in the harbour entrance; tidal current; sand line at 18-24m; abandoned anchors and chain on the reef

Facilities: None (boat dive). Sydney charter operators run it; private boats commonly launch at Rose Bay