Light House Reef combines a wall, drift diving, and reef terrain in a single site, making it a solid choice for intermediate divers wanting variety in one dive. Depths run from 15 to 23 metres in the deeper sections, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres depending on conditions. Mild currents are typical, though stronger surges do occur and decompression management matters here. The reef holds a genuinely interesting mix of life: weedy sea dragons and nudibranchs reward slow, attentive diving, while angel sharks and bullrays turn up along the sandy margins. Gorgonias and sponges provide structure, and seals, grouper, sergeant bakers, and moray eels round out what is a varied and engaging site.

Jone's Beach is a shore entry reef site in New South Wales suited to beginners looking to build confidence in the water. The shallow, calm conditions make it a reasonable choice for those new to snorkelling or diving, though visibility is variable so conditions on the day will shape your experience. Current can also vary, so it pays to check before you get in. The reef supports various local species, giving beginners a genuine taste of temperate Australian reef life. Surf at the entry point is the main hazard to be aware of, so time your entry carefully and watch the sets before committing.

The Gantry is a shore entry reef dive near Bawley Point that suits beginners well, with mild current and depths between 9 and 14 metres. Visibility regularly reaches 10 to 30 metres, which means you can take your time exploring without feeling disoriented. The reef attracts an impressive mix of marine life for a temperate site. Keep an eye out for weedy seadragons drifting close to the bottom, giant cuttlefish, and octopus tucked into crevices. Port Jackson sharks and crested horn sharks rest on the reef, while bull rays, trevally, and squid pass through. Nudibranchs and blue groper round out a genuinely varied cast.

The Igor is a wall and reef site off New South Wales, dropping from 15 metres down into deeper water reaching 30 metres. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, so conditions can genuinely reward patient divers who time their visits well. There's no current to contend with, which makes working the wall at your own pace straightforward. The marine life here is the real draw, with grey nurse sharks and Port Jackson sharks being plausible encounters on the reef, alongside weedy sea dragons. Seasonal visitors include dolphins, seals, whales, and even little penguins, making the site particularly interesting from May through November.

Hyams Beach offers a sheltered reef dive in shallow to moderate depths of 1 to 12 metres, making it a comfortable choice for beginners. Visibility runs from 2 to 10 metres depending on conditions, and the current is generally mild. The seafloor transitions through seagrass beds and sponge gardens where you can find weedy seadragons, octopus, and fiddler rays resting on the sand. Eastern blue groper, leatherjackets, and Australian giant cuttlefish are regularly spotted along the reef, and Port Jackson sharks shelter close to the bottom. Check the surf and watch for rip currents before entering from shore.

Green Patch Beach is a gentle shore entry site combining reef and seagrass habitat in easy shallow waters, reaching just 10 metres at its deepest. Visibility runs from 5 to 10 metres, and the mild current makes this a comfortable choice for beginners building confidence underwater. The seagrass beds are worth slowing down for, as they shelter seahorses, pipefish, and squid. On the reef, look for blue groper, wrasse, and leatherjacket moving between the rocks, while Port Jackson sharks and fiddler rays often rest on the sandy bottom. Octopus, Australian giant cuttlefish, and the occasional seagrass seahorse round out the highlights. Watch the surf on entry and exit.

Pebbly Beach is a shore entry site suited to new divers and snorkellers, with shallow water sitting consistently around 5 metres. Visibility ranges from 5 to 15 metres depending on conditions, and the current is generally mild, making it a comfortable place to get your bearings underwater. You can expect to find red morwong, luderick, bream, and groper moving through the water, along with wobbegong sharks and Port Jackson sharks resting on the bottom. Lobsters, crabs, sea urchins, and starfish are also common. Watch your footing around urchins, and be aware that rip currents and surge can develop, so check conditions before entering.

Stoney Creek is a deep wall dive in New South Wales that earns its advanced rating on every front. The site drops from 39 to 56 metres, putting you firmly in decompression territory, and the strong currents here are not negotiable. Plan your bottom time carefully before you descend. Visibility of 25 to 35 metres rewards the effort, giving you long sightlines along the wall face where sea whips, gorgonians, sponges, and sea squirts colonise the structure in dense filter-feeding communities. Nitrogen narcosis is a genuine consideration at these depths, so know your limits and dive with a buddy you trust.