Help with best dive spots off NSW Nth Coast?

[Factor]

Hi All,

Just wondered if anyone had recommendations about good spots to camp and dive along the NSW North Coast.

My girlfriend and I (both newly OW'd and booked in for Advanced OW) are planning a few days away from Sydney and were looking for recommendations on where would be good to visit.

We're looking at Seal Rocks as we've been told there's good diving there and I know the camping area well, but are there any other really good spots for fish, coral, etc that it'd be worth us checking out?

Thanks for any help.

Factor

 

[almitywife]

hi factor, you might have better luck on the local at www.diveoz.com.au

dont know about camping but Nelson Bay is worth a look, boat dive looking glass and shore dive Halifax & Fly point

 

[unit]

Not too sure about camping facilities, but head a bit further up the coast to Coffs Harbour.
Did a couple of boat dives there at the end of last year, around the South Solitary Islands.
Fantastic viz, great marine life, turtles, rays, wobbegongs, tropical fish even had a visit from a curious grey nurse.
Highly recommended.

 

[skippy77]

head to kingscliff there is a harbour there with diving boats and loads of cheap accomadation

 

[TSandM]

My husband and I dove Byron Bay in November and we absolutely LOVED it. We're currently in Hawaii, and I still keep comparing every dive to Julian Rocks. You can see my writeup of the trip at http://www.tsandm.com/diving byron bay.htm

 

[skippy77]

byron bay is great (lots of hippies) only an hours drive from me i live on the gold coast
if u go there go up to the light house and have a look at they view on some days u can see the dolphins whales and sharks from there great place

 

[Factor]

Thanks to all for the tips. While Byron is a bit further North than I was looking (about 8 hours drive from Sydney) it sounds like the dive sites and operator up there are great, so will keep it on file.

Thanks again
Factor

 

[almitywife]

Factor, if you havent dive it yet - look up Shellharbour, Wollongong way

Ron Duncan at Leisure Coast Dive are the ones to talk to for dive brief, air fills ect

 

[Aussie Diver]

South Solitaries aren't really worth doing compared to some of the other sites around. Fish Rock, off South West Rocks, is known as the best site on this area of the coast. Huge range of marine life, and a 120m long cave running under the island. One spot not to be missed.

The North Solitary Islands are also fantastic, Im hoping to get back there soon myself. You can either stay/dive from Mulloway (not far north of Coffs Harbour), or a little further up at Wooli.

 

[RisingPhoenix]

Hmm, Nelson Bay, Then Seal Rocks, Then Laurieton (Near Port Macquarie (Which is my local area so i would be biased)) Then South West Rocks, Then Coffs (But i would probably (as i regularly do) drive the extra hour to Wooli and dive North Solitary!, then Byron..

That would be my ideal Run From Sydney!

Cheers,

Steve