Avoca combines natural reef, wreck, and artificial reef structures across a wide depth range, from the shallows at 2 metres down to 32 metres where decompression becomes a real consideration. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change significantly between dives, and current adds another layer of planning. Wobbegong sharks rest along the reef structure, while eastern blue wrasse and yellowtail move through the water column. Sharks are a documented presence here, so situational awareness matters. The variety of structures rewards divers who take time to work different depths methodically rather than rushing straight to the bottom.

Avoca Beach rock pool offers a sheltered, shallow entry point into reef exploration for beginners and snorkellers. Sitting at just 0 to 2 metres deep with visibility ranging from 4 to 9 metres, you can take your time observing various reef species without the pressure of depth or current. The calm, clear water makes it easy to get comfortable in the ocean. January and February bring the best conditions. Watch your footing around sharp coral, and keep an eye on wave sets before you enter, as breaking waves and surge can catch you off guard near the edges.

The ex-HMAS Adelaide is a purpose-sunk decommissioned warship sitting in 13 to 37 metres off New South Wales, making it serious diving territory that demands respect. Visibility swings between 5 and 25 metres depending on conditions, and moderate current means you need to plan your drift carefully. The wreck's internal spaces offer overhead environment penetration, but entanglement risks, sharp edges, and surge require disciplined buoyancy and a torch. Grey nurse sharks are a reliable presence around the structure, with kingfish and squid also working the site. Humpback and southern right whales pass through seasonally, and seals occasionally visit. Fortescues lurk in sheltered spots, so watch where you put your hands.

The Slide is a shore dive off Terrigal that combines a sloping reef with a wall section, giving beginner divers a straightforward layout to explore. Depths run from 8 to 18 metres, so you can control your experience by staying shallower until you're comfortable going deeper. Visibility typically ranges from 4 to 9 metres. Current is generally mild, which makes navigation manageable. The reef structure supports a good variety of sponges, and patient divers will find nudibranchs tucked into rocky surfaces. Australian salmon and kingfish pass through, adding some open-water action. The main hazard to watch is surf at the entry point, so time your entry carefully.

Skillion Cave combines a swim-through cavern with a wall drop-off that reaches 22 metres, making it one of the more technically interesting shore dives on the New South Wales central coast. Visibility ranges from 5 to 15 metres depending on conditions, with the cleaner water typically found during the cooler months from May through September. Wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks shelter on the bottom and within the cavern itself, while bull rays cruise the sandy areas below the wall. Jewel anemones and nudibranchs reward slower, attentive divers on the reef structure, and kingfish or bonito occasionally pass through in open water above. Current is generally mild, but surge at the entry and sharp coral demand respect.

The Haven is a sheltered beach entry site that works well for new divers and snorkellers. The bottom transitions from sandy shallows through seagrass beds into patchy reef and kelp forest, topping out at 15 metres. Visibility typically runs 5 to 9 metres, and the current is mild, so you can take your time. The site functions as a fish nursery, meaning you will regularly encounter juvenile fish alongside luderick, cuttlefish, and stingrays cruising the sandy patches. Gropers hold territory around the reef structure, and weedy seadragons turn up in the kelp and seagrass if you move slowly and look carefully. Port Jackson sharks rest on the bottom, particularly during cooler months. Watch for boat traffic on entry and exit, and be aware that surge can pick up close to the reef.

Copacabana Beach is a gentle shore entry site suited to new snorkellers and divers wanting to build confidence in calm, shallow water. Seagrass beds cover much of the sandy bottom and attract a solid mix of marine life, including turtles, stingrays, and blue gropers. Cuttlefish, octopus, and yellowtail are also regulars here. Visibility typically ranges from 4 to 10 metres, and the current is mild. Be aware of surf and a potential rip current near the entry point, and keep an eye out for boat traffic. Give any marine life plenty of space and avoid touching stingrays resting on the sand.

Spoon Bay is a shore dive off Wamberal that rewards divers who put in the effort to read the conditions before entering. Depths run from the shallows down to 18 metres across a reef system home to various reef species. Visibility typically falls between 5 and 10 metres. The site earns its intermediate rating through a combination of strong currents, rip currents, surge, and breaking waves at entry, all of which demand solid buoyancy control and situational awareness. Sharp coral adds another reason to move carefully. January through March generally offer the most settled conditions for this site.