MacMasters Beach rockpool is a sheltered entry-level snorkelling spot where shallow, calm water lets you explore at your own pace without any current to worry about. The site sits between 0 and 2 metres deep, so you can stand up whenever you need to, making it genuinely comfortable for first-timers or those introducing children to the underwater world. Visibility ranges from 4 to 10 metres, giving you a clear view of the small fish that move through the rockpool. Time your visit for the cooler months between May and September for the best conditions. Watch for breaking waves and surge near the entry point, and wait for a lull before stepping in.

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.

Maitland Bay offers a rare combination of reef, kelp forest, and wreck diving from shore, all within Bouddi National Park. The site suits beginners well, with a straightforward beach entry and a gradual depth range from the shallows down to 40 metres, though newer divers should stay well above that lower limit. Visibility runs 5 to 10 metres, which is enough to explore the reef and spot the various species that move through the kelp. Currents are variable, so check conditions before you enter, and be aware that rip currents are a genuine hazard here. Summer months, January through March, tend to offer the most reliable conditions.

Bullimah Beach is a gentle shore entry reef dive suited to beginners, with shallow, calm water and visibility ranging from 4 to 10 metres. Mild current keeps conditions manageable while you explore the reef at your own pace. The site rewards slow, patient divers: wobbegong sharks rest on the bottom in plain sight, cuttlefish hover near the reef edge, and octopus tuck themselves into crevices. Blue groupers cruise confidently alongside divers, and if you look carefully among the weedy growth, weedy sea dragons are a genuine find. Watch your hands and fins around sharp coral, and be mindful of surge near the reef structure.

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.

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 Lake is a sheltered, shore-entry snorkelling spot suited to beginners looking for calm, shallow water. Depths stay within a metre of the surface, making it an accessible place to practise snorkelling technique without worrying about current or surge. Visibility can vary considerably depending on recent weather and water movement, so conditions are not always guaranteed. The site features reef structure, and care should be taken around sharp coral, particularly for those new to navigating underwater terrain. Facilities including parking and toilets are on site. The summer and autumn months from November through April generally offer the most favourable conditions.

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.