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FOR AN ESCAPE from the city, Nelson Bay, north of Sydney, is a superb long weekend diving destination. The area boasts no fewer than 26 gorgeous beaches with crystal clear water. Also on offer are many additional distractions for your surface interval or for non-diving friends.
Nelson Bay is a prime diving area on the New South Wales coastline. It is situated in Port Stephens with its magnificent bay, twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Surrounded mostly by marine park, the area is home to some of the best shore diving possible. You can dive with grey nurse sharks by boat at Broughton Island or visit macro life from the shore.
Nelson Bay is tidal, so your shore diving itinerary can vary. As with all shore dives within the bay, diving on the high tide slack is a must, so choose your schedule to suit the tides. î
Itinerary î
FRIDAY If driving, stop en route at Murrays Craft and Brewing Company for an excellent lunch
( www. murraysbrewingco. com. au). Check into your accommodation and then, depending on tides, have an incredible night dive at The Pipeline. This is superb for macro photography where colourful soft corals and sponges are home to seahorses, sea pens, pipefish, cuttlefish, moray eels and nudibranchs.