Nelson Bay is a
prime diving area
on the New South
Wales coastline
SATURDAY
Enjoy up to three dives depending
on tides. Do a double boat
dive with grey nurse sharks at
Broughton Island including The
Looking Glass, a narrow channel
cutting through the island and
named for the unique natural
hole atop the cliff to the left.
There’s another shore dive at Fly
Point. Eat local seafood on the
waterfront.
î
SUNDAY
Another three-dive day: Do a
double boat dive to North Rock
at the surrounding islands or if
you like wrecks the Oakland is
described as a wreck sitting at the
bottom of a fish tank. On return,
do a shore dive at Halifax Park.
In the evening, experience a
sunset dinner cruise.
î
MONDAY
If you are not flying, you can
do another two shore dives, or
depending on time of year try a
dolphin or humpback whale cruise
before heading home. If weather
does not permit, take a detour to
visit one of the local wineries in
the Hunter Valley.
î
02 Brightly coloured
03
nudibranchs (Trinchesia
sibotage) feed on
hydroids at Fly Point
03 A harmless grey
nurse shark cruises
round Looking Glass
04 The seahorse is
considered the slowestmoving fish species in
the ocean
04
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
Winter (May–October) is the
best time for diving. Water
temperatures range from 17–23oC
from winter to summer.
HOW
From Sydney it’s an easy 2½-hour
drive up the M1. There is also a
daily coach service from Sydney,
or rail and air links via nearby
Newcastle.
STAY/DIVE
Many accommodations ranging
from dive shop lodge to five-star
luxury. Prices from around A$35
per person per night up to pricey,
exclusive luxury apartments. There
are options to suit individuals,
couples and families.
• Lets Go Adventures Dive
Nelson Bay
www.letsgoadventures.com.au
• Feet First Dive
www.feetfirstdive.com.au/
boatdives.htm
TOPSIDE
Nelson Bay is good not just
for divers. There are many
year-round activities including
cruises, snorkelling, vineyard
visits, gourmet restaurants,
cycling, surfing, Nature trails in
the national parks, parasailing
and visiting the largest natural
sand dunes in the Southern
Hemisphere.
ENTRY
All citizens except those from
Australia or New Zealand require
a visa.