The SS Macleay is a freighter that sank in 1913, resting in 21 to 43 metres of water off Hawks Nest. This advanced dive site is located 100 metres from shore and requires boat access. Divers encounter moderate currents, which can increase during the dive, and visibility typically ranges from 5 to 18 metres. Due to the depth, this site necessitates mandatory decompression stops and careful management of nitrogen narcosis. Water temperatures fluctuate between 18C and 21C, with potential thermoclines. Given the exposure to open ocean conditions and the technical nature of the wreck, this site is suitable only for experienced divers.

Cabbage Tree Island, located 1000 metres off Shoal Bay, offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reefs, walls, and seagrass beds. Depths range from 4 to 20 metres, with an average of 10 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Access is by boat only. The western side provides protection from swells, while northern and eastern sides remain exposed. Visibility fluctuates between 1 and 15 metres, influenced by tidal currents. Divers should be aware of surge near the walls, as well as boat traffic and sharks. Water temperatures range from 19C to 24C throughout the year. Facilities including boat charters, equipment rental, and air fills are available nearby.

The SS Oakland is an upright, largely intact steamship wreck located 7000 metres off Hawks Nest. Resting at depths between 24 and 28 metres, this site is suited for advanced divers with wreck experience. Divers encounter Spotted Wobbegong, Eastern Blue Groper, Green Moray, and Blind Shark among the iron hull. The site presents overhead environment challenges and requires careful gas management. Visibility typically ranges from 7 to 18 metres. Dives are best timed for slack high tide to mitigate moderate currents. Due to the depth and potential for weakened structural sections, precise buoyancy control is essential. Typical bottom time is 40 minutes.

Halifax Cliffs in Shoal Bay offers a challenging reef and drift dive experience suited to intermediate divers. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 26 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Access is via a shore entry, which requires caution due to surf and the presence of sea urchins. Divers should be prepared for strong currents and variable visibility between 1 and 12 metres. Due to the potential for boat traffic, maintaining good buoyancy control and using a surface marker buoy is essential. The site is also accessible for night diving, with typical dive times around 45 minutes. Parking is available at the location.

Bennetts Beach in Shoal Bay is a shore entry site primarily suited for snorkelling in shallow, near-shore waters. As a surf beach, it is subject to variable conditions, including surf and strong rip currents that require careful assessment before entering. Water temperatures range from 19C to 25C throughout the year. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets. Due to the presence of rips, snorkelling should only be attempted in calm conditions, and divers or snorkellers should remain close to the shallows. Visibility can fluctuate significantly depending on local weather and swell patterns.

Jimmy's Beach in Shoal Bay is a gentle shore dive suitable for beginners. The site features a combination of seagrass beds and reef, with depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres and an average depth of 2 metres. Divers enter directly from the beach, though caution is required regarding the shore break. Visibility varies significantly, ranging from 1 to 15 metres. Species recorded around this area include Ornate Wobbegong, New Holland Seahorse, Pineapplefish, and Eastern Blue Groper. To manage the surf, shuffle your feet during entry and exit and remain in the shallows. Parking is available at the site, though amenities can vary.

Fingal Head is a boat-access reef and artificial reef site located 3000 metres offshore from Shoal Bay. Suitable for intermediate divers, the site features depths ranging from 5 to 25 metres with an average of 10 metres. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents and tidal flow, with dives typically scheduled during slack high tide. Visibility varies between 5 and 15 metres. The seafloor contains a high population of long-spined sea urchins, requiring careful buoyancy control. Species recorded around this area include wobbegong sharks, seahorses, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopuses, blue gropers, stonefish, cuttlefish, blind sharks, coffin rays, bullhead sharks, and pineapplefish.

Halifax in Fingal Bay is a versatile shore dive featuring a mix of reef, wall, and drift environments. Located 30 metres from the shore, the site reaches depths between 5 and 26 metres with an average of 15 metres. Divers must navigate strong tidal currents, making this site suitable for intermediate divers who should plan their dives for slack water at high tide. The entry is via a rough track and rocky, sandy beach. Because the site sits within a busy boating channel, divers should remain submerged until returning to the shallows. Facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and a cafe.