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.

Little Island is a reef and cave site located 1000 metres off the coast of Hawks Nest, Australia. Suitable for beginners, the site features depths ranging from 1 to 15 metres with an average of 12 metres. Divers access the site by boat, encountering mild currents and visibility that varies significantly between 2 and 20 metres. The topography includes reef structures and caves that provide interest but require caution regarding entanglement and sharp coral. Species recorded around this area include green sea turtles, green morays, fiddler rays, eastern blue gropers, stonefish, rock cod, sea slugs, and soft corals. Divers should remain aware of their surroundings as sharks are occasionally present.

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.

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.

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.

Winda Woppa beaches in Shoal Bay offer a tranquil shore dive within the sheltered waters of Port Stephens Bay. The site is defined by extensive seagrass beds that require slow, patient exploration to observe the local marine life. Due to its protection from Pacific Ocean currents, the site features mild water movement, making it suitable for beginners. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C, with the most favourable conditions occurring between November and June. Entry is straightforward from the shore. Facilities available on site include toilets. Please note that this beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, and night diving is permitted.

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.