Nelson Bay N.S.W - magic shore dives
and Grey Nurse sharks
 Octopus |
 Short tail nudibranch |
 Crested Horn shark |
 Grey nurse shark |
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Nelson Bay is the major town in Port Stephens N.S.W. 48km north of Newcastle and 3 hrs drive north of Sydney.
The proximity of the East Australian Current, marine reserves and the strong tidal flow all help to produce an amazing variety and density of marine life. Inside the bay you will find extensive sponge gardens, moray eels, sharks, nudibranchs and heaps of fish. The three main shore dives are: Pipeline, a 250m long 30cm diameter pipeline anchored to the sea floor by 1m square concrete blocks. Depth 12 to 18m. Located 50m in from the Marina Fish co-op. Fly Point, the inner limit of the marine reserve. Depth to 22m. Halifax Park, the outer limit of the marine reserve. Depth to 26m. These three sites are subject to strong currents and diving should only be done at the high slack. Visibility can vary from 5 to 15m but these are among the best shore dives in Australia. Broughton Island, a rocky outcrop 10km outside the bay is one of the endangered grey nurse shark breeding sites. Depending on weather conditions boat dives to see these wonderful sharks are well worth considering. |