Cabbage Tree Island is a small, rugged, uninhabited island rising abruptly from the ocean just north of the entrance to Port Stephens, about 1.4 km offshore from Nelson Bay. The protected western side features a shallow rock wall dropping to sandy seabeds at ~8–12 m, scattered with small wrecks that attract wobbegong sharks, while the exposed eastern side offers steep walls draped in colourful sponge gardens. The northern shallows bloom with pink Porcillopora coral in summer, drawing tropical fish. With three wrecks (speed boat, motor cruiser, barge) and diverse rocky reef terrain, this site combines easy-access boat snorkelling with rich biodiversity in typically clear waters.
Cabbage Tree Island
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 1.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Swell Exposure (East Side)
The eastern side is exposed to easterly and northerly swells and can only be dived in calm conditions with light or offshore winds.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
The island is accessed only by boat from Nelson Bay marina, with vessel traffic in the channel and near the island.
Low risk: Outgoing Tide Current
Tidal currents can run through the heads of Port Stephens, especially on an outgoing tide, affecting snorkelers near the island.
Low risk: Shallow Wreck Hazards
Submerged wrecks and debris (speed boat, motor cruiser, barge) have sharp metal edges and entrapment points; snorkelers should exercise care.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Cabbage Tree Island lies approximately 1.4 km north of the entrance to Port Stephens. Access is by private boat or via one of several dive charter operators departing from Nelson Bay Marina (d'Albora Marina). The short 20-minute trip from the marina makes it a popular and easy-to-reach offshore site.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking is available around Nelson Bay CBD and d'Albora Marina foreshore during designated times. The area uses Smart Parking. Free parking is available in other parts of Port Stephens.
parkingtoiletsboat_ramp
Parking fees apply in Nelson Bay CBD and marina areas. Charter dive/snorkel trips have separate fees — contact local operators for current pricing.
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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