Broughton Island is a pristine continental island within the Myall Lakes National Park, roughly 16 km offshore from Hawks Nest on the NSW Central Coast. This rugged, bush-covered island is ringed by several sheltered sandy coves — Esmeralda Cove, Coal Shaft Bay, and North Beach — with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling. The rocky headlands, shallow reefs, and the famous Looking Glass rock arch create a stunning underwater landscape. Accessible only by private boat or charter, it offers a true wilderness escape with excellent water visibility, abundant marine life, and secluded beaches that rarely feel crowded.
Broughton Island
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 4.4 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© PrivatemusingsThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Ocean swells and surge
Exposed sides of the island can experience significant swell and surge, especially around rocky headlands and the Looking Glass passage. Some coves face different directions, so conditions vary.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal flows through passages between Broughton Island and nearby islands (e.g., Looking Glass) can create powerful currents that challenge even strong swimmers.
Moderate risk: Remote location
Broughton Island is accessible only by boat and has no on-site medical facilities. Bad weather can delay return trips. Visitors should carry extra supplies and communication devices.
Low risk: Bommie hazard (Esmeralda Cove)
A submerged bommie (isolated rock pinnacle) sits in the centre of the entrance to Esmeralda Cove, posing a collision risk for boats and a hazard for snorkellers at low tide.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Bluebottles and jellyfish can be present in warmer months, particularly after northeasterly winds.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Broughton Island is located about 16 km offshore from Hawks Nest / Nelson Bay, NSW. It is accessible only by private boat, kayak, or commercial charter. Charter cruises (e.g. Moonshadow TQC, Aquamarine Adventures) depart daily from Nelson Bay and include snorkelling stops. Private vessels can launch from d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay or from boat ramps at Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at d'Albora Marinas Nelson Bay (paid) and at public boat ramp parking areas in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. National Parks entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day applies at mainland access points within Myall Lakes National Park.
toilets
National Parks day entry: $8 per vehicle per day. Camping: $30/night for 2 people, $10/additional adult, $5/additional child per night (booked via NPWS). Charter cruise prices vary.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports