Redhead Beach offers a shore-based coastal reef dive suitable for intermediate divers. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres, with an average of 12 metres. Entry and exit require caution due to breaking waves, surge, and potential rip currents common at this surf beach. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 15 metres depending on swell conditions. Divers should monitor the Bureau of Meteorology swell forecast and plan dives during calmer periods. Shore facilities include parking, toilets, showers, and a cafe. Due to the surf conditions and surge, this site is generally not recommended for snorkelling.

Blacksmiths Artificial Reef is an artificial structure located 3500 metres off Caves Beach, Australia. Resting at depths between 16 and 28 metres, the site is suited for intermediate divers. Access is by boat only, and divers should be prepared for moderate currents and potential entanglement hazards around the structure. Visibility varies significantly, reaching up to 25 metres. Marine life commonly observed includes spotted wobbegong, wrasses, and schooling yellowtail scad and blue mackerel. Less frequent sightings include grey nurse sharks, giant cuttlefish, eastern blue groper, and blue devilfish. Larger predators such as yellowtail kingfish, silver trevally, mulloway, and snapper are also attracted to the reef.

Moon Island, located 300 metres off Caves Beach, offers a diverse underwater environment featuring reefs and caves. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 24 metres, with an average depth of 17 metres. The site is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents and the presence of overhead cave environments. Visibility typically fluctuates between 10 and 30 metres. Access is possible via boat or shore, though boat access is required for reaching the island itself. Divers should be aware of potential boat traffic on the surface and the presence of sharks. Always carry a light when entering caves and plan dives around slack water to manage currents.

The Arch at Caves Beach is a reef and cavern system located 200 metres offshore. This boat-accessible site features a natural swim-through arch at depths between 16 and 21 metres, with the overall site ranging from 16 to 28 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. The site is suited for intermediate divers due to the overhead environment within the cavern sections. Water temperatures fluctuate between 18C and 22C throughout the year. Divers should remain cautious of boat traffic on the surface and use a safety sausage during ascent. A torch is recommended for exploring the darker cavern areas.

Newcastle Baths offers a shallow reef and artificial reef environment suitable for beginners. Depths range from 4 to 9 metres, with an average of 6 metres. Access is via a shore entry, though the site is highly dependent on sea conditions. Divers and snorkellers must exercise caution regarding surf and surge, as the area should only be accessed when the sea is calm. Visibility typically ranges between 3 and 10 metres. Facilities including changing rooms and showers are available on-site. Due to potential surge and coastal currents, checking local surf forecasts is essential before planning a dive or snorkel.

Flagstaff at Caves Beach offers a combination of natural and artificial reef structures suitable for beginner divers. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 12 metres, with an average of 7 metres. Shore entry requires careful navigation of the surf, and divers should be mindful of potential strong currents. Visibility typically ranges between 5 and 10 metres. Parking is available near the site. Divers should shuffle their feet in the shallows to avoid disturbing stingrays. Given the variable surf conditions, it is recommended to check the water before gearing up and plan to swim into the mild current at the start of the dive.

Soldiers Baths is a natural rock pool formation located on the Newcastle coastline. This shore-accessible site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 1 to 2 metres and an average depth of 1 metre. The rock wall provides shelter, though waves can crash over the barrier during high tides or large swells, creating surge and reducing visibility. Divers and snorkellers should exercise caution around sharp coral edges near the pool margins. Facilities including showers, toilets, and a cafe are available on site. For the best experience, visit on a calm day after a period of settled weather to avoid sediment stirred up by surf.

Lucy's Wall is a shore-entry reef dive located at Caves Beach, New South Wales. The site features a reef structure that slopes from the shallows to a maximum depth of 15 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. It is suitable for beginner divers who are comfortable with mild currents and navigating a shore break. Divers may encounter various invertebrates, including sea stars, sea hares, and snails, alongside occasional sightings of Eastern Blue Groper, Port Jackson Shark, and Common Stingray. Due to the potential for surf, divers should shuffle their feet during entry and exit to avoid hidden rocks and marine life. Visibility at this site is variable.