Sydney?

[Scubastud16]

So I send almitywife a PM to ask her, but I wanted to get some general opinions. My significant other is studying abroad in Sydney. I'm going to visit her from May 8th to May 20th this year.

We're both divers, and we'd love to dive, but she didn't bring any of her equipment (no mask, no fins, no nothing). This kind of puts diving out of the question, because I wouldn't be able to pack her equipment AND my equipment and clothes, etc. So our next best option is to go snorkeling.

Any places that have easy shore access to decent snorkeling? We're used to diving in the Florida Keys, so we're a little spoiled, but we'll be glad to see just about anything. We want to be able to say we saw something, if that makes sense. She knows some of the beaches, but I wanted to ask the experts! Your opinions are GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Danny

P.S. What water temps will we be looking at? Will 3/2mm wetsuits suffice?

 

[downtime99]

Danny,

Don't see why you couldn't rent the whole shebang while you are there. Whilst I haven't dived in Sydney (My Melbourne religion doesn't allow me to recognise a place called Sydney), I have heard that there are some good dives up there.

Rent the whole lot, most LDS's should be able to accommodate the both of you.

Don't miss an opportunity to dive down under. It'll be at least warmer than up NORTH.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[downtime99]

Just realised you are from Florida.

Sydney might now be as warm or have the most excellent caves you are used to in FL, but it does have a wonderful Coat Hanger.

Michael

 

[Scubastud16]

Michael,

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, we are Florida warm-water sissies. 70's are cold for us!

Thanks again,

Danny

 

[Scubastud16]

Anybody else?

Thanks!

Danny

 

[almitywife]

....... Whilst I haven't dived in Sydney (My Melbourne religion doesn't allow me to recognise a place called Sydney), I have heard that there are some good dives up there........

typical melbournian response.......stick cheese in your ears and pretend you live in the best city in the world blah blah blah....... you havent been allowed up here to dive as you cant get past border control!

hint for your next attempt... get your state to start playing real mens football and you might make it thru one day!




if you are interested in snorlking then Shelley Beach is nice. DiveCentreManly can set you up with gear but you might as well dive with them and they will transfer you to/from the site also

otherwise DiveCentreBondi for camp cove or nth bondi (conditions permitting) or bare island and they too do transfers

Bare Island for me is my most prefered site - always something to see there

cheers

edith, and most stores dont rent out booties and half fins so you most prob will get full fins. warning you because sydne shore dives involves a little bit of walking, depending on the site

 

[bowlofpetunias]

hmmm ... if you are used to the warm waters of florida I think you would find Sydney diving a little cool ... just looked back through my logbook and for the last 3 years water temp has been around 68F (20C) ... I use a 3mm in winter and sharkskin (1-2mm) up till about april may, most people use 5mm suits

So I think that a 2-3mm may be a little cool for diving but guess it would be ok for snorkelling.

Listen to what almitywife says ... she is very knowledgeable ... I know both her and her hubby and listen to what they say.

 

[Zeeman]

Just rent gear - or bring yours and rent hers. Sheller beach is actually a very nice dive - Yplenty to see there. It's not Florida, but it's protected to vis is usually pretty good.

Z..

 

[Scubastud16]

Great! 68 degrees....sheesh. That's a little chilly! I appreciate your guys' help. My backplate doesn't take up much room, but I'll be packing fins and stuff too. We may just end up renting and having guided shore dives.

What depths are we looking at for Shelley/Bondi/Bare Island?

Thanks again!

Danny

 

[almitywife]

shelley is about 10mtrs/30frt

nth bondi... ONLY if conditions are right can get about 25mtrs/75ft. reason why i stress conditions is that can blow out while you are gearing up. i remember once being there and hubby saying lets watch those clouds for a bit and within 15mins it was undiveable and made the exits for those in the water a bit nasty

bare island approx 15mtrs to 25mtrs - depending on how far you go around the point

Kurnell is also a great dive site - on a incoming dive. i recommend Carl at Abyss