Snorkelling, Lord Howe IslandCredit: Destination NSW
Woman snorkelling off Lord Howe Island.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
There are hundreds of fantastic diving and snorkelling spots along the coastlines of New South Wales. Among them are a handful of spectacular shallow sites that are ideal for both diving and snorkelling — perfect for divers with travelling companions who prefer to snorkel while you scuba (or vice versa). Here are five of the most iconic spots, and how to experience them.
Montague Island, South Coast
Just 9km (around a 20-minute boat ride) from Narooma on the NSW South Coast, Montague Island is renowned for its fur seal colon. You can scuba dive and snorkel with these curious creatures in shallow waters surrounding the island year-round. Underwater Safaris specialises in snorkelling and diving tours to the island; you can also combine seal snorkelling and an island tour with Montague Island Adventures or Island Charters Narooma. As well as seals, snorkellers and divers might also spot some of the large bull rays and Port Jackson sharks that hang out among the seals. From November to April, scuba divers can also spot grey nurse sharks on deeper dives.
Conditions and accessibility: Montague Island is a boat dive/snorkel, with visibility ranging from 10–40m. The water temperature drops to around 16°C in winter, with suitable wetsuits supplied.
Shelly Beach, Sydney
At Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the calm, shallow waters surrounding Shelly Beach, part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, are a magnet for snorkellers and divers. Giant cuttlefish are often spotted here, particularly during their winter breeding season. From August to September, Shelly Beach also acts as a nursery for baby dusky whaler sharks, while octopus, eagle rays and wobbegong sharks are seen throughout the year. Dive Centre Manly runs snorkelling and diving tours to the site, while Pro Dive Manly focusses on dive tours and courses; Shelly Beach is one of the most popular places in Sydney to get Open Water Diver certified.
Conditions and accessibility: Shelly Beach is a shore dive/snorkel, with an average visibility of 8–10m. This is fine for the shallow site, which reaches a maximum depth of 12m.
Manly Underwater Experience Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a memorable underwater experience in Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve, Manly.
#ilovesydney
Manly Underwater Experience Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Enjoy a memorable underwater experience in Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve, Manly.
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Fur seals swimming around Montague Island, Narooma.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Montague Island, Narooma Credit: Destination NSW
Fur seals swimming around Montague Island, Narooma.
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Yellowtail fish swimming in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly.
#ilovesydney
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Yellowtail fish swimming in Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly.
Cook Island, Tweed Heads
In the far northeastern corner of NSW, less than 1km off Fingal Head, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is a haven for turtles (particularly green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles), so you can expect to see at least a few during a typical snorkel or dive. There are also a range of anemone fish and other tropical fish species, corals and rays to be spotted. Watersports Guru runs up to three snorkelling tours daily, and Tweed Sea Sports runs morning dives.
Conditions and accessibility: Visibility at Cook Island is typically around 15m. All sites are accessed by boat, with snorkelling sessions conducted along a coral ledge where turtles hang out; divers can explore beyond the wall, which drops off to around 20m.
Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli), Byron Bay
Julian Rocks, or Nguthungulli in the Bundjalung Aboriginal language, is a rocky outcrop located 2.5km offshore from Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast. The convergence of the East Australian Current with cooler waters from the south attracts an incredibly diverse array of species to its shallow temperate reefs, from tropical fish to numerous turtle, shark and ray species, as well as corals. Byron Bay Dive Centre and Sundive run daily trips; both also offer snorkelling tours and dive courses.
Conditions and accessibility: Julian Rocks is a boat dive with an average visibility of 15m, perfect for snorkelling at the shallowest site called The Nursery, which ranges from 5–12m. The maximum diving depth is 21m at the Cod Hole, a swim-through full of marine life.
Lord Howe Island
With more than 100 dive sites to choose from, Lord Howe Island, less than two hours’ flight from Sydney, is a scuba diver’s paradise. However, many of the island’s shallower dive spots, which support a wide variety of tropical and temperate species brought on converging currents, are also great for snorkelling. Chief among them is The Lagoon, on the western side of the island, where you can expect to see everything from anemones to lionfish, slipper crayfish to the rare Coleman’s pygmy seahorse. Pro Dive Lord Howe Island runs snorkelling and diving tours around the island.
Conditions and accessibility: Snorkellers can swim out from The Lagoon and Ned’s Beach to explore shallow coral reefs, or sign up for an outer reef snorkelling tour by boat alongside more experienced divers. The depth within the lagoon ranges from 5–10m, with an average visibility of 10m. The visibility increases to a maximum of 40m on the outer reef.
Tweed Heads Underwater Experience Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Some of the outstanding aquatic experiences on offer in the Tweed region of NSW.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Tweed Heads Underwater Experience Highlight Selects Credit: Destination NSW
Some of the outstanding aquatic experiences on offer in the Tweed region of NSW.
Julian Rocks, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Scuba diver exploring the soft coral fans at the Julian Rocks dive site in Byron. Bay.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Julian Rocks, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Scuba diver exploring the soft coral fans at the Julian Rocks dive site in Byron. Bay.
More Inspirational Stories
Cronulla Rock Pool, CronullaCredit: Destination NSW
Bird's eye view over Cronulla Rock Pool, Cronulla in Sydney's south.
Sydney is a playground for wave chasers and saltwater seekers. From the thunderous breaks of Maroubra to the iconic curl of Bondi, the city’s surf beaches offer adrenaline-pumping action for board riders of every level. But the thrill doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Sydney’s ocean pools are the ultimate place to keep your heart rate up. Whether you're diving into the turquoise calm of Bronte Baths or swimming laps at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, these spots invite you to move, explore and soak up the coastal energy.
Sydney’s Best Surf Beaches
Manly Beach is one of Australia’s most iconic surf spots, famed as the site of the world’s first surfing contest in 1964. This two-kilometre stretch of golden sand, framed by Norfolk pines, draws surfers of all levels. On most days, you’ll see eager learners and senior shredders paddling out, chasing that perfect wave.
The iconic Bondi Beach delivers waves and high-energy surf culture, making it a bucket-list surf destination for board riders.
Just around the headland, Bronte Beach shows off with its consistent swells and a laid-back local vibe, making it a favourite for surfers chasing both challenge and charm.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying a learning to surf experience with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Small group enjoying a learning to surf experience with Lets Go Surfing, Bondi Beach.
An official National Surfing reserve, the gorgeous Maroubra Beach is one of Australia’s top surf spots. Framed by rocky headlands, bushland and wide green parks—perfect for post-surfing picnics or coastal walks. A little further south of Bronte, this is a go-to for surfers chasing serious swells.
Around 45-minutes from the CBD, perched on a peninsula looking over the Royal National Park sits the beaches of Cronulla. Cronulla Beach, North Cronulla Beach and Wanda Beach are famous surf spots where you can learn the thrill of riding a wave onto shore at various local surf schools, such as Cronulla Surfing Academy.
Up north is home to another iconic surf beach with world-famous North Narrabeen break. North Narrabeen break, the breeding ground of some of the world's best surfers, including world champions. It is also the site of numerous local, national and international events.
Head to the northern end of Palm Beach for some serious waves and Dee Why Point for a right-hand point break.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer in the waters off North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen on Sydney's northern beaches.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer in the waters off North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen on Sydney's northern beaches.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Man enjoying the surf at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Man enjoying the surf at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
Sydney’s Best Ocean Pools
From cliffside laps to tidal plunges, Sydney’s ocean and rock pools offer a refreshing way to stay active while soaking up the city’s salty edge.
Cronulla is home to some of Sydney’s most beautiful rock pools. Located on a rocky platform between Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach, North Cronulla Rock Pool is the northernmost and smaller of two ocean baths in Cronulla. Next to it, Cronulla Beach rock pool is a full-sized, eight-lane pool that is perfect for swimming laps right next to the ocean. Farther around the point is Oak Park Rock Pool.
Mahon Pool is a peaceful rock pool located just north of Maroubra Beach, at the base of Jack Vanny Reserve. Surrounded by natural rock formations and coastal cliffs, it offers a scenic spot for a swim. Access is via a set of steps leading down from Marine Parade, with parking available nearby.
SOCIAL MEDIA 1:1 - Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
SOCIAL MEDIA 1:1 - Mahon Pool, Maroubra Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Mahon Pool, Maroubra.
Further north in Bronte is an ocean-fed lap pool to experience top saltwater swimming. While around the corner Coogee offers Giles Baths at the northern headland and on the southern headland you can take in 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean at Wylies Baths. Henry Alexander Wylie, a champion long distance and underwater swimmer, established Wylie's Baths in 1907. The construction of the Baths coincided with an emerging interest in seaside baths in Sydney at the turn of the century.
Forget indoor chlorine pools, take your laps harbourside in one of the beautiful saltwater outdoor pools. Set on the shores of Woolloomooloo Bay near the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Andrew Boy Charlton (ABC) Pool offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and provides a tranquil environment for swimming, relaxation and socialising. The outdoor salt-water pool is heated and has eight lanes.
Wylie's Baths, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Wylie's Baths, Coogee.
Wylie's Baths, Coogee Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Wylie's Baths, Coogee.
Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People swimming laps at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool in Sydney.
Andrew Boy Charlton Pool, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People swimming laps at Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool in Sydney.
Maccallum Pool, tucked into the western edge of Cremorne Point, blends heritage charm with unbeatable harbour views. Originally a rock pool carved out by locals, it was transformed in the 1920s into a timber-decked saltwater haven. Restored in the mid-80s to honour its original style, it remains one of Sydney’s most scenic and character-rich swim spots.
Not forgetting the iconic Bondi Icebergs Pool which sits on the southern end of Bondi Beach and is open to the public for a low fee of $10. Currently closed for redevelopment, North Sydney Olympic Pool is set to reopen in 2026 boasting a 50-metre heated outdoor pool, gymnasium, sauna and spa.
Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point with view of Sydney harbour.
Maccallum Seawater Pool, Cremorne Point Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Maccallum Seawater Pool at Cremorne Point with view of Sydney harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying a morning swim at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying a morning swim at Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach.