Scuba Diving Sydney, Bare Island

 
History In the 1870s the authorities of New South Wales believed that the Russians were likely to invade Australia. In 1877 two British fortification experts, Sir Peter Scratchley and William Jervois were sent to Australia and given the task of designing and co-ordinating the defence of Sydney and they planned a series of forts and gun batteries to protect against attack. Bare Island was planned as the sole defence of Botany Bay. The fortifications on the island were built during the period 1881 to 1889 under the direction of the Colonial Architect, James Barnet. The barracks were completed in 1891. After the completion the authorities found that the constuction had been subject to substandard workmanship and this led to the resignation of James Barnet, and a Board of Inquiry and then to Australia's first Royal Commission. Parking is along the road at the top of the driveway, there is no parking limit in place. Toilets are located near the, about a 5min walk from the driveway to the bridge Access is via a small timber bridge, Bare Island is perfect for either day or night diving in almost all weather. In even moderate yeas you can safely dive in almost any spot and in very heavy seas you can usually dive the protected (right) side of the island. Only in huge seas (say over five metres average) you should not a dive at Bare Island.