Dive Site: Fly Point

About Fly Point

Fly Point is a celebrated shore dive site situated in Nelson Bay, part of the extensive Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park in New South Wales. This site is easily accessed on foot from the foreshore and is a sanctuary zone, meaning fishing and spearfishing are prohibited, contributing to its rich marine biodiversity. The area is globally recognized as a 'critter site,' attracting photographers and divers interested in smaller, colorful, and unique marine life. The topography features a rocky reef and sponge gardens, gently sloping from shallow depths to about 12 meters. The bottom transitions over small slopes at five and eight meters, leading to depths of 11 to 13 meters. A small wall with overhangs, interspersed with sand patches, characterizes the deeper parts of the reef. The relatively shallow, sheltered conditions, combined with nutrient-rich tidal flows from the Tasman Sea, create a superb environment for a vast array of species. Divers can anticipate sightings of iconic local species such as weedy seadragons, spotted wobbegongs, blue gropers, and pot-bellied seahorses year-round. Schools of bream, snapper, and leatherjackets are common, and the site is particularly known for its diverse nudibranch population and other macro subjects. The Eastern Australian Current (EAC) brings both tropical and temperate larvae, fostering a unique mix of marine life that thrives in Port Stephens. Diving at Fly Point is best timed around the slack of a rising tide to maximize visibility and minimize current, making for an easier and more enjoyable experience. The site is suitable for various dive types, including macro photography and drift dives, offering a different experience depending on the tidal conditions.

Dive site facts: Fly Point

Depth

5–13 m

Typical dive

10–12 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate, tide-dependent

Visibility

8 m average

Water temperature

16–23°C

Entry

Shore entry via stairs

Level

Open Water, Advanced for drift

Dive type

Macro, rocky reef, drift

Night dive

Possible at select sites

Region / port

Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia

Coordinates

32.7167° S, 152.1767° E

Conditions & Currents

Tidal currents at Fly Point are a significant factor and influence dive planning. It is highly recommended to dive during the slack period of a rising tide, which occurs approximately 20 minutes before high tide at Fort Denison in Sydney Harbour. This timing allows for a brief drift with the incoming tide before returning against a more manageable current, typically lasting around 30 minutes. If tides are very high, exceeding 1.8 to 2.0 meters, the water movement can be quite fast, whereas tides around 1.5 meters are much easier to swim against. Occasionally, if there is a high low tide before or after the high tide, the slack period can extend to over an hour, offering a more relaxed dive. Surge can be present, particularly closer to the entrance, but the site's sheltered nature mitigates extreme conditions. Average visibility is around 8 meters, but can improve during slack tide. The s

Season calendar

Marine life & sighting chances

Weedy Seadragon

common

Pot-bellied Seahorse

common

Spotted Wobbegong

common

Eastern Blue Groper

common

Giant Cuttlefish

year-round · occasional

Port Jackson Shark

occasional

Common Octopus

year-round · occasional

Yellowtail

common

Bream

common

Snapper

common

Mosaic Leatherjacket

common

Yellow-finned Leatherjacket

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Access Fly Point from the car park, where stairs lead down to a cleared path into the water. Enter the water and immediately descend, swimming north. The dive route generally follows the reef as it gradually deepens. You will encounter small slopes at five and eight meters before reaching a maximum depth of 12 to 13 meters. At the eight-meter mark, turn left to head west or southwest, allowing for a gentle drift with the tide. The reef structure consists of rocky areas and sponge gardens, interrupted by sandy patches and small walls with overhangs. Look for macro life along these features and observe schools of fish in the open water. The dive concludes by returning against the gentler current towards the entry point. A safety stop can be performed in the shallower sections closer to shore, typically at around five meters.

Underwater photography

Fly Point is a premier location for macro photography due to its incredible diversity of small, colorful subjects. A macro lens (e.g., 60mm or 100mm) is essential for capturing detailed shots of nudibranchs, seahorses, and seadragons. Given the average visibility of 8 meters and depths typically under 15 meters, natural light can be sufficient in very shallow areas, but strobes are highly recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of sponges and critters. Good buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing delicate marine life and stirring up sediment. Patience is key when seeking out well-camouflaged subjects like seadragons. Always maintain a respectful distance and avoid touching or manipulating subjects for a shot.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Halifax Park

  Deeper continuation of the Fly Point sanctuary

• Broughton Island

  Offshore island reef with best visibility in the region

• The Looking Glass

  Advanced swim-through near Broughton Island

Getting there & logistics

Fly Point is located in Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia, approximately 220 km north of Sydney. The nearest major international airport is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), from which divers can arrange ground transport or connecting domestic travel to Nelson Bay. Dive operations in Nelson Bay are typically shore-based, with Fly Point accessible directly from a car park near the foreshore. There are no liveaboard options for diving directly at Fly Point. A marine park fee is usually not charged for shore dives at this specific site. Dive trips are typically day excursions, allowing multiple dives at Fly Point or combination with other local shore dives like Halifax Park. It is advisable to book with a local dive shop in Nelson Bay for gear rental and guidance.

Safety & environment

For diving at Fly Point, it is imperative to be aware of tidal conditions and plan your dive during slack water to mitigate strong currents. Ensure you have adequate gas planning, especially if attempting a drift dive against a return current. The nearest recompression chamber is approximately 210 km away, underscoring the importance of safe diving practices and emergency preparedness. Divers should carry personal insurance that covers diving incidents and potential medical evacuation. Fly Point is within a sanctuary zone of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, so adherence to park rules regarding no fishing or collecting is mandatory. Always dive with a buddy and ensure proper briefing on entry and exit points, especially given the shore access via stairs and a cleared path.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Fly Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Fly Point

These liveaboards may visit Fly Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$406/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day