3 days in NSW: where to go?

[wanderer101]

Hi all

Can I pick your brains? I have an unexpected opportunity to go to Australia at short notice and would like to take advantage to get in the water for a few days. But realistically I won't be able to get to the GBR, so need some alternative suggestions.

The time I have available is from the morning of Weds Nov 29, when I will be in Sydney. I have to fly to Alice Springs on Sat Dec 2. So I'm thinking somewhere within 3-4 hours of Sydney (by land transport) would be good (ideally I'd like to dive on the Weds afternoon).

Given the time limitations, a single destination with a range of dive sites is the only option.

Just a few minutes' research - including @clownfishsydney's really impressive site - suggests I'm spoiled for choice, so please help me pick.

I'm PADI Advanced with about 300 dives. I like both big pelagics and weird small stuff so will be happy with many different kinds of sites. I wasn't even aware of leafy/weedy sea dragons until I started reading this forum, and would love to see some of those (hammerheads too if they're in season).

So: where do you think I should go? Recommendations for particular dive shops also very welcome.

Extra questions: Are there any spawnings, matings or other seasonal events at this time that are worth basing the choice on? And should I bring a 5mm wetsuit or could I get away with a 3mm shorty?

Really appreciate all advice

wand

 

[Shortdive]

I would suggest Fish Rock with South West Rocks Dive Centre. Michaels site (Clownfish sydney) has plenty of info on it. Plenty of Pelagius and sharks. They encountered Orcas on the way out the other day. Google it, plenty of short videos on you tube. About a five hour drive north of Sydney and in my view one of the best spots in nsw, if not the best on its day. They have accommodation on site, all dives are nitrox.

 

[dm9876]

Forster/Seal Rocks also worth considering and closer than South West Rocks by a fair margin.
SCUBA Dive, Swim with Dolphins, Buy SCUBA & Spearfishing Gear Forster
Forster Dive Centre | Welcome to Forster Dive Centre | About Us | Forster Dive Centre

 

[dm9876]

Oh and 5mm for sure.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

South West Rocks. Check out the Facebook page, Scuba Dive Sydney. Some great folks there. I joined a group that went up to South West Rocks. An amazing dive.

 

[Nomad-Diver]

Don't rule out Sydney itself. Plenty of boat and shore dive options there (to cater for a variety of weather conditions).

But, if the weather's good, South West Rocks is fantastic. A bit more than 3-4 hours drive though. I've only dived with South West Rocks Dive Centre and they've been great.

Forster is also an option. I strongly recommend Nick at Forster Dive Centre | Welcome to Forster Dive Centre | About Us | Forster Dive Centre as opposed to the other outfit. Nick will give you an honest appraisal on weather conditions (including on bad days "I'll take you out if you really want, but I wouldn't bother if I were you" )

Another suggestion is Nelson Bay / Port Stephens. There are a range of sites to explore there too - Boat and shore.

Jervis Bay, to the South, would also easily entertain you for multiple days. Recommend Scuba Diving South Coast NSW, Australia | Dive Jervis Bay

Have fun !

 

[wanderer101]

Thanks all, really appreciate it. At this point I'm definitely leaning towards South West Rocks and swrdive.

One more, if I can contradict the title of my own thread: turns out I will be flying out of Melbourne. Where nearby are the chances of sea dragons highest?

cheers wand

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Thanks all, really appreciate it. At this point I'm definitely leaning towards South West Rocks and swrdive.

One more, if I can contradict the title of my own thread: turns out I will be flying out of Melbourne. Where nearby are the chances of sea dragons highest?

cheers wand

If you use a rebreather, I believe you'll need to use Fish Rick Dive Centre in South West Rocks.

 

[MA]

In Melbourne flinders pier is pretty much a certainty for weedies! It is about an hour 15 drive from Melbourne though. Conditions are variable as it’s quite exposed. Worth it to see them.

 

[caringbah]

Check out Jervis Bay or Port Stephens/Nelson Bay, both about 3 hours from Sydney CBD but if you have time South West Rocks is worth the trip.