Diving in Manning-Hawkesbury
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Manning-Hawkesbury's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Manning-Hawkesbury, ecoregion. This region features 49 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Manning-Hawkesbury has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Manning-Hawkesbury (1)
Popular Spots in Manning-Hawkesbury (49)
3 mile Bommie
3 Mile Bommie is located three nautical miles from Entrance township and encompasses a reef area of approximately 30 hectares. The dive site features a variety of depths, ranging from shallow reefs down to 20 meters, along with deeper water, shallow caves, and channels. Divers can encounter a diverse range of marine life, including Blue Gropers, wobbegong sharks, grey nurse sharks, and schools of pelagic species such as kingfish, yellowtails, and bream. The site supports various sessile communities, making it a rich environment for underwater exploration.
Adelaide (Wreck)
The Adelaide is a scuttled warship that was intentionally sunk in April 2011 to create an artificial reef. This wreck has become a habitat for various marine species, including schools of kingfish and Wobbegong sharks. Additionally, nurse sharks are often observed in the vicinity. The site serves as a valuable research area for Marine Science students from a nearby university, providing opportunities to study marine life and ecosystem dynamics.
Artificial Reef
The Artificial Reef is a man-made structure designed to enhance marine biodiversity. It serves as a habitat for various fish species, promoting a thriving underwater ecosystem. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers. The depth at this location varies, providing opportunities for divers of different skill levels to explore the diverse marine life that inhabits the reef. Expect to encounter a range of fish species, which are attracted to the artificial structures, creating a lively underwater environment.
Avoca
Avoca is a shore dive site located at coordinates -33.470100, 151.436600. It is particularly enjoyable when the wind originates from the west, as this creates a sheltered environment. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of yellowtail and the curious Eastern Blue wrasse. The rocky areas are also home to Wobbegongs, adding to the site's biodiversity.
Bare Island East
Bare Island East is a notable dive site located at coordinates -33.990800, 151.232300, accessible via shore entry. The site features vibrant sponge gardens that host a variety of marine life, including pygmy pipefish, nudibranchs, sea stars, and seahorses. Divers can also expect to see the Red Indian Fish, recognized for its unique shape resembling the headdress of indigenous North Americans. The diverse ecosystem and reliable sightings make this site a significant location for underwater exploration.
Bare Island West
Bare Island West is a popular dive site characterized by average depths ranging from 7 to 12 meters. Although visibility can be lower on the western side, divers can expect to encounter the unique Red Indian Fish, which is a reliable sighting in this area. The site is also home to vibrant sponge gardens that host a variety of delicate marine life, including pygmy pipefish, nudibranchs, sea stars, seahorses, and weedy sea dragons.
Barries Bay
Barries Bay is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.300700, 152.979700. The site features a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sharks. Divers can expect to explore a reef environment that supports diverse aquatic species. The conditions at this site may vary, and it is advisable for divers to assess the environment before entering. Visibility can fluctuate, impacting the overall experience.
Bird Island
Bird Island is a nature reserve situated near Lake Munmorah, featuring a sandy bottom with rocky outcrops. The dive site reaches depths of less than 20 meters. Divers can explore areas with weed and rocks, where stingrays are often seen resting on the sand. Additionally, ocean wobbegongs can be found hidden among the rocky sections. Macro marine life is prevalent in the rock and weed areas, providing opportunities for close-up observations.
Bird Rock
Bird Rock is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.426700, 152.935200. The site features rocky formations and is known for its diverse marine life, including various fish species, rays, and sharks. The underwater landscape provides an engaging environment for divers, with depths suitable for different skill levels. Visibility can vary, and divers should be prepared for changing conditions.
Blacksmiths Western Artificial Reef
The Blacksmiths Western Artificial Reef features a single steel pinnacle tower that was installed in August 2019. This structure measures 12 meters in height and 7.8 meters in width. Over time, it has become a habitat for various marine life as the ocean gradually envelops it. Divers can expect to see species such as yellowtail kingfish, snapper, silver trevally, mulloway, yellowtail scad, and blue mackerel in the area. The site is accessible from the shore.
Broughton Island The Looking Glass
Broughton Island, specifically The Looking Glass, is located within the Great Lakes Marine Park and serves as a habitat for endangered grey nurse sharks. Divers can explore the unique topography by navigating through the crack in the island. The marine life here includes grey nurse sharks, turtles, trumpetfish, and schools of bullseyes, along with Eastern Blue devilfish and various crustaceans. Macro nudibranchs can also be spotted, adding to the site's biodiversity. The entry to this dive site is by boat.
Camp Cove South
Camp Cove South is a shallow dive site ideal for beginners and training purposes. The underwater landscape consists of a sea grass bottom interspersed with boulders and kelp, providing a habitat for various marine species. Divers may encounter striped fish, wrasse, bream, numb rays, skates, and flounder during their exploration. This site also serves as a practical location for navigation training. Additionally, divers might discover old glass bottles scattered throughout the area.
Catherine Hill Coal Loader
Catherine Hill Coal Loader features a shallow dive reaching depths of approximately 11 meters. The site is characterized by the remnants of the old coal loader, which serves as a prominent structure in the bay. Divers can explore various ship chains, cables, and hardware, including the remains of the SS Wallarah. The sandy bottom is home to schools of fish, nudibranchs, sea stars, and rays. Additionally, bull sharks have been observed in the area, particularly by surfers.
Chris’ Wall
Chris’ Wall is a boat dive that features a prominent wall structure with depths ranging from 20 to 30 meters, accommodating both open water and advanced divers. The dive site includes bommies situated on a sandy bottom. Marine life commonly observed here includes fiddler rays, eagle rays, nudibranchs, octopus, moray eels, and sting rays.
Cod Grounds Marine Park
Cod Grounds Marine Park is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.673700, 153.110000. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including various fish species, rays, and sharks. The underwater topography features a mix of reef structures that provide habitats for these creatures. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species while exploring the area. Conditions can vary, and it is advisable for divers to be aware of local weather and tide patterns before diving.
Cod Hole
Cod Hole features two submerged bommies connected by a swim-through, with depths ranging from 6 meters on one bommie to 10 meters on the other, reaching a maximum depth of 18 meters. This site is suitable for beginners, offering ample opportunities to explore the surrounding reef and observe a variety of marine life. Notable species include soft corals, sponges, nudibranchs, wobbegongs, and grey nurse sharks. The area is rich in biodiversity, making it an excellent location for underwater photography.
Desoto Inlet
Desoto Inlet is a shallow dive site with depths ranging from 6 meters to 16 meters. The area features overhangs and large rock formations. It is located on the southern side of the south point and measures approximately 80 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The site is named after an Old Desoto vehicle that was driven off a cliff into the inlet. Marine life commonly observed here includes yellowtail, silver sweep, seapike, flathead, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegong sharks, various rays, shrimp, nudibranchs, and corals.
Fish Rock Cave
Fish Rock Cave is recognized as Australia's only genuine ocean cave dive, extending 125 meters through the rock formation. Located in the East Australian Current's path, the site typically experiences warm, clear waters that attract a diverse range of both temperate and tropical marine life. Divers can frequently observe 20-30 Grey Nurse Sharks, numerous Wobbegong sharks, as well as various species of Turtles and Rays during their dive.
Fishermans Bay
Fishermans Bay is a shore entry dive site characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky formations. The site is relatively sheltered from ocean conditions, making it suitable for beginner divers. Surge may occur, particularly in certain areas. At depths around 5 meters, divers can observe large wobbegongs and schools of small fish in the weedy regions.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff offers two entry points: one through the bay and another over rocks, with the latter being more accessible during high tide. The dive site features a sandy bottom and is generally shallow. Divers can explore rocky structures at the bay entrance or venture outside the bay for additional rocky formations. Throughout the year, divers may encounter various marine life, including nudibranchs, rays, and schools of fish. Notably, grey nurse sharks can be observed during the winter months.
Flat Rock
Flat Rock is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.446700, 152.933300. The dive begins at a depth of approximately 10 meters and features a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sharks. The underwater landscape consists of rocky formations and reef structures, providing habitats for diverse species. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 20 meters, making it suitable for divers with varying experience levels.
Fly Point
Fly Point Marine Park offers divers a unique experience with its soft coral formations and two easily navigable ledges. The maximum depth at this site reaches 28 meters, making it suitable for a range of diving experiences. It is recommended to dive during high slack tide for optimal conditions. Marine life commonly observed includes Anglerfish, PJs, Blind Sharks, Shovel-nosed Rays, Eastern Frogfish, Octopus, Tomato Cod, Eastern Wirrah, Porcupinefish, Toadfish, various Crustaceans, Blue Groupers, and numerous Nudibranchs.
Foggy Shark Cave
Foggy Shark Cave is located at the convergence of two cliffs, providing access to a cave system that is part of a larger reef structure extending north to south. This site is particularly notable for gray nurse sharks, especially from March to June, when sightings are most reliable. Recently, smaller gray nurse sharks have been observed remaining in the area through the summer months. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater cave environment.
Ghosties
Ghosties is a shore dive site characterized by a sandy bottom with various features to explore, including walls and bommies. The area includes weedy sections that provide opportunities to observe macro critters. Marine life commonly encountered here includes sting rays, moray eels, eagle rays, nudibranchs, and small schooling fish. The site is easy to navigate, making it suitable for divers of different experience levels.
Halifax Point
Halifax Point is characterized by steep rocky ledges that are densely populated with sponges, making it a favored site for advanced divers in Nelson Bay. The area known as the 'Twin Bommies' reaches a depth of approximately 20 meters and showcases a vibrant array of sponges, gorgonians, and ascidians. The maximum depth at this site is around 26 meters. The best diving conditions occur during the incoming tide up to slack high tide. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life, including yellow and black stripeys, nudibranchs, flatworms, and crustaceans such as crayfish and lobsters. Pelagic species like dolphins, kingfish, drummers, eastern wirrah, and blind sharks are also commonly observed here.
Little Beach - NSW
Little Beach features a sandy slope leading to the Little Beach Boathouse jetty, with depths ranging from 3 to 5 meters. This area is rich in fish life, providing excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography. Approximately 100 meters from the jetty, divers can explore the submerged remains of a barge at depths of 10 to 12 meters, which serves as an artificial reef. Notable marine species include frogfish, rough flutemouth, eastern blue grouper, ghostpipefish, pygmy leatherjacket, moray eels, wobbegong, blind sharks, striped catfish, pineapple fish, and cuttlefish.
Lucy’s Wall
Lucy's Wall is a shallow dive site ideal for training and skill refreshment, often categorized as confined water. Access is via a beach entry, and the area is sheltered by a breakwall within the channel. The sandy and weedy bottom supports a variety of small creatures, while the shallows are home to small fish. Divers may also encounter rays resting on the bottom.
Maze
Maze is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.603900, 152.885700. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of fish, rays, and sharks. The underwater environment features intricate formations that create a maze-like structure, providing unique exploration opportunities. Divers can expect varying depths, making it suitable for a range of experience levels. Conditions can vary, so it's advisable to check local reports before diving.
Miners Reef
Miners Reef is a boat dive site located at coordinates -31.461800, 152.942900. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of fish, rays, and sharks. The underwater topography features a reef structure that provides habitat for these species. Divers can expect to encounter a range of marine fauna while exploring this site.
Moon Island
Moon Island offers divers the opportunity to explore various underwater features including arches, caves, and rocky shelves. The site is characterized by a mix of soft and hard coral beds, providing habitat for a diverse range of marine life. During the winter months, grey nurse sharks can be observed, along with occasional sightings of seals and weedy seahorses. The area is also home to nudibranchs, eels, and numerous fish species. Entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience its unique underwater environment.
Norah Head (Cabbage Tree Bay)
Norah Head, located at Cabbage Tree Bay, is a beginner-friendly dive site ideal for open water training. Divers can enter from the shore or a boat ramp. The dive features a wall that descends to a maximum depth of 14 meters as you approach the point of the wall. The sandy bottom is complemented by rocky formations and sea kelp, providing habitat for various marine life. Expect to see stingrays, octopus, nudibranchs, sea hares, starfish, cuttlefish, and schools of small fish during your dive.
North Shore B Wall
North Shore B Wall is a shore dive site characterized by a vertical wall that begins at approximately 10 meters and descends to depths exceeding 30 meters. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including various species of fish that inhabit the wall. Divers can expect to see a range of reef fish, along with occasional sightings of larger pelagic species. The dive conditions can vary, with currents present, making it more suitable for experienced divers. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, providing good opportunities for observing the underwater ecosystem.
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.602200, 152.875400. The dive features a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sharks. The site offers a diverse underwater environment that supports these species. Divers can expect to encounter a range of depths suitable for different skill levels. Conditions may vary, so it is advisable for divers to be prepared for changing underwater environments.
Oxley Beach
Oxley Beach is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.432200, 152.923800. The dive features a diverse underwater environment characterized by kelp forests, which provide habitat for various marine species. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish and possibly sharks in the area. The site is suitable for scuba diving and offers a unique opportunity to explore the marine life associated with the kelp ecosystem.
Pipeline
Pipeline is a popular site for macro critter enthusiasts, particularly favored by night divers. The dive features a sloping terrain of seagrass and soft coral beds, with a notable pipe located among several mooring blocks that are encrusted with coral and sponge. The maximum depth ranges from 16 to 18 meters, and the site is best explored during high slack tide. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including White's seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and various cephalopods such as cuttlefish, blue-lined octopus, and the elusive Pyjama squid. Additionally, wobbegongs, eels, and cowries can also be observed in this area.
PS Ballina Wreck
The PS Ballina Wreck is located at the Hastings River entrance bar, where it grounded on 13 February 1879. The vessel was completely swamped the following morning and subsequently broke in two. Prior to this, the cargo was jettisoned in an effort to keep the ship afloat, and all passengers and crew were evacuated safely. The site is accessible from the shore.
Redhead Point
Redhead Point is a boat dive site characterized by a rocky face and a sandy bottom. The dive depth is generally under 20 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. The area features various bommies and weedy patches that provide opportunities for exploration. Marine life commonly observed includes large ocean wobbegongs, eagle rays, sting rays, nudibranchs, moray eels, and schools of fish passing through the site.
River Dive - Settlement Point
River Dive at Settlement Point offers a shore entry point for divers. The site is characterized by its freshwater river environment, providing a unique habitat for various fish species. The dive site is known for its diverse aquatic life, which can include both freshwater and brackish species. Visibility can vary, and conditions may change depending on weather and water flow. This site is suitable for divers looking to explore a riverine ecosystem.
Shelly 18
Shelly 18 is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -31.453600, 152.940000. The site features a reef off Shellie’s, where divers can encounter a variety of marine life including fish, rays, and sharks. The underwater landscape provides opportunities for exploration and observation of these species in their natural habitat. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for changes in visibility and currents.
Shelly’s Wide
Shelly’s Wide is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates -31.453600, 152.943600. Divers can explore a diverse marine ecosystem featuring soft corals, various sponges, and an array of nudibranchs. The site is also home to several species of sharks, including wobbegong sharks, PJ sharks, and grey nurse sharks. This location supports a wide variety of marine life, making it an interesting spot for underwater observation.
Skillion Cave
Skillion Cave is a shore dive characterized by a large crevice in a reef wall, formed by a fallen boulder. This site is best explored on calm days, as conditions can affect accessibility. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of common reef fish, and with some luck, pelagic species such as Kingfish and Bonito may also be spotted in the area.
SS Galava (Wreck)
The SS Galava wreck is located approximately three nautical miles east of Terrigal, resting at a depth of 51 meters. This site is designated for experienced divers due to its depth. As divers approach the wreck, they will encounter schools of baitfish and may observe wobbegong sharks resting in the vicinity. Large kingfish are also commonly seen as divers descend along the anchor line.
Swansea Bridge
Swansea Bridge offers multiple entry points for divers, including the fishing pontoon, weigh station, boat ramp, concrete ledge, and Blackneds Bay. Divers can exit at Blackneds Bay, the concrete ledge, or the boat ramp. The site features a bridge structure and an artificial reef located at a depth of 18 meters. Marine life commonly observed here includes nudibranchs, moray eels, seahorses, bull rays, dolphins, stripey fish, yellowtail, catfish eels, stingrays, and numb rays.
Telegraph
Telegraph is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.641100, 152.852700. The site features a combination of reef and wreck elements, providing divers with opportunities to encounter a variety of marine life including fish, rays, and sharks. The depths at this site vary, allowing for exploration of both shallow and deeper areas. Conditions can change, so divers should be prepared for varying visibility and currents. This site is suitable for scuba diving, making it accessible for divers with different levels of experience.
The Slide, Terrigal
The Slide at Terrigal features a reef slope characterized by small boulders and rocks. At approximately 13 meters, the slope descends more steeply to around 18 meters. This depth is where notable sponge gardens can be observed along the sand line of the reef. The abundant sponge growth supports a diverse Nudibranch population, and divers may also encounter schools of Australian Salmon and Kingfish in the area.
The Valliant (Wreck)
The Valiant is a small tugboat wreck located off Barrenjoey Headland, having sunk in the early 1980s. This site is situated in less than 30 meters of water, making it accessible for divers. The area is home to various marine species, including angel sharks, bream, snapper, and morwong. Divers can also observe a diverse range of soft temperate corals and sponges surrounding the wreck.
The Wall
The Wall is a dive site characterized by a prominent underwater wall that extends from a depth of 10 meters down to 22 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including pelagic fish and Port Jackson sharks, alongside numerous nudibranchs and other species. The rock formations at this site exhibit significant growth, providing a diverse habitat for marine organisms.
Titan
Titan is a boat dive site located at coordinates -31.676000, 152.896800. This site features a wreck that attracts a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sharks. The depth at this location varies, providing opportunities for divers to explore different levels of the wreck. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential changes in visibility and currents. This site is suitable for divers with varying levels of experience, depending on the specific dive plan.
Yabbies
Yabbies is a shore dive site located at coordinates -31.540000, 152.931700. The dive begins at a shallow depth and features a variety of marine life, including fish, rays, and sharks. The site is characterized by its reef structure, providing divers with opportunities to observe diverse underwater ecosystems. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential changes in visibility and currents. This site is suitable for scuba diving, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.