Intro
Forget the long haul flight to Cairns. Some of Australia's most spectacular underwater encounters happen right on the NSW coast, easily accessible by car. From the shark-infested gutters of South West Rocks to the seadragon-filled bays of Sydney, this stretch of coastline (spanning roughly 500km) offers a unique collision of tropical and temperate marine life. Whether you're a hardcore tech diver, a casual snorkeler, or a breath-hold junkie, here are the essential stops on your underwater road trip from Coffs Harbour south to Kiama.
1. South Solitary Island, Coffs Harbour
- Best For: Scuba & Advanced Snorkeling
- Peak Season: Summer for warm water; Winter (June-Nov) for Grey Nurse Sharks & Humpbacks.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Why go here:
The Solitary Islands Marine Park is the mixing zone where warm northern currents meet cooler southern waters. South Solitary is the crown jewel, offering nine permanent moorings around the island.
What you'll see:
This is the most southern reach for many tropical species like anemonefish, mingled with massive Bull Rays and Turtles. In winter, the Grey Nurse Shark aggregations here are legendary.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the rare Black Cod (which can grow to 1.5m) lurking in the deeper caves.
2. Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks
- Best For: Scuba (Advanced/Cave)
- Peak Season: Year-round (Grey Nurse Sharks visible all year).
- Difficulty: Advanced
Why go here:
Consistently voted one of Australia's top dives. It features a 125-meter swim-through cave that cuts right through the center of a small island. It's atmospheric, thrilling, and teeming with life.
What you'll see:
The cave entrance is usually patrolling with dozens of critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks. Inside, you'll find resident bull rays, crayfish, and thousands of schooling fish silhouetted against the blue exits.
Pro Tip: Bring a good torch, but turn it off for a moment inside the cave to see the silhouettes of sharks circling the exit.
3. Seal Rocks, Forster
- Best For: Snorkeling, Shore Diving & Camping
- Peak Season: Summer & Autumn; Whales visible from the lighthouse (May-Nov).
- Difficulty: Intermediate (Shore entry requires a swim)
Why go here:
This isolated surfing village is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with Grey Nurse Sharks right off the beach. It’s a raw, back-to-nature experience perfect for a weekend camping trip.
What you'll see:
Swim out to "Big Rock" to find the shark gutters. You'll see Grey Nurse Sharks, turtles, and huge schools of bullseyes. The headland is also a prime spot for watching Humpback Whales during migration.
Pro Tip: Book a spot at Treachery Camp for the ultimate surf-and-dive weekend. It's rustic, uncrowded, and sits right behind the dunes.
4. Fly Point, Port Stephens
- Best For: Snorkeling & Easy Shore Dives
- Peak Season: Summer & Autumn (high tide is essential).
- Difficulty: Beginner
Why go here:
Fly Point is a marine sanctuary located just off the beach. It offers incredibly lush sponge gardens and soft corals just meters from the shore. It is arguably the best shore dive in NSW for macro photography.
What you'll see:
Pineapple fish, nudibranchs, octopuses, and the wobbegong sharks hidden in the weeds. The sponge gardens here rival deep boat dives in color and density.
Pro Tip: Only dive or snorkel at high tide. At low tide, visibility drops, and the current can be tricky.
5. Cabbage Tree Bay (Shelly Beach), Sydney
- Best For: Snorkeling, Freediving & Night Diving
- Peak Season: Summer & Autumn.
- Difficulty: Beginner
Why go here:
Sydney's only west-facing ocean beach offers protection from the swell, making it a calm oasis in the city. It's a "no-take" aquatic reserve, meaning the fish are big, bold, and unafraid of humans.
What you'll see:
The famous Blue Groper (the state fish of NSW) will likely approach you directly. You'll also spot Giant Cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks (in winter), and large schools of yellowtail.
Pro Tip: Walk the sculpture trail from Manly Beach to Shelly Beach before jumping in to check the conditions from above.
6. Bare Island, La Perouse (Sydney)
- Best For: Scuba & Macro Photography
- Peak Season: Year-round (best on a northerly wind).
- Difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate
Why go here:
**Famous as the backdrop for **Mission: Impossible 2, the waters beneath the bridge provide some of the most diverse diving in Sydney.
What you'll see:
This is Weedy Seadragon central. These bizarre, leaf-like relatives of the seahorse are masters of camouflage. Also look for the Red Indian Fish and Pygmy Pipehorses.
Pro Tip: Dive the "Right Side" (East) for sponge gardens, or the "Left Side" (West) for seadragons.
7. Bushrangers Bay, Shellharbour/Kiama
- Best For: Snorkeling & Freediving
- Peak Season: Summer.
- Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Why go here:
A stunning aquatic reserve located at the bottom of a steep set of stairs. The bay is narrow and protected, featuring a gravel bottom and rocky walls that drop off quickly, making it excellent for depth training or exploring rock fissures.
What you'll see:
A nursery for many species. You'll often find juvenile Horn Sharks, Smooth Stingrays, and large schools of Diamondfish. The topography is dramatic, with underwater arches and swim-throughs at the point.
Pro Tip: Save some energy for the hike back up the stairs—it's steeper than you remember!
Practical Planning
- Getting Around: A car is essential. The drive from Coffs Harbour to Kiama is roughly 6 hours of pure driving time, but you should spread this over at least 5-7 days.
- Whale Season Bonus: The "Humpback Highway" is active along this entire coast from May to November.
- North Migration (May-August): Whales are heading to Queensland to give birth. They are active and often seen breaching.
- South Migration (September-November): Whales are returning with calves. They often move slower and stay closer to shore, making for incredible surface intervals or even underwater sightings (listen for their singing!).
- Gear Recommendations:
- Exposure: A 5mm wetsuit is the standard year-round. In winter (July-Sept), you might want a 7mm or semi-dry, especially for double dives.
- Conservation: The Grey Nurse Shark is critically endangered. If you encounter them, maintain distance, do not block their path, and never use flash photography directly in their eyes.
The NSW East Coast might not have the marketing budget of the Great Barrier Reef, but for diversity, accessibility, and big-animal encounters, it is world-class. Whether you're staring down a nurse shark in a cave or floating with a friendly groper in Sydney, this road trip is a bucket-list adventure. Which stop are you hitting first?