[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":284},["ShallowReactive",2],{"leaderboard-total":3,"spot-seo-catherine-hill-bay":9,"spot-catherine-hill-bay":51},{"entries":4,"total":5,"period":6,"type":7,"generated_at":8},[],0,"all_time","reports","2026-10-03T06:32:05.526386Z",{"title":10,"description":11,"canonical_url":12,"og_image":13,"structured_data":14,"breadcrumbs":44},"Snorkeling Conditions at Catherine Hill Bay - How's the Spot","Check snorkeling conditions at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales. Excellent conditions, water 20.0°C, waves 0.49m","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fspots\u002Fcatherine-hill-bay","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_4_5e29f26df1b9.jpg",[15,28],{"@context":16,"@type":17,"name":18,"description":19,"url":12,"geo":20,"address":24},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","Place","Catherine Hill Bay","Catherine Hill Bay, on the NSW Central Coast near Swansea, offers a wonderfully varied snorkeling experience. The historic coal-loader jetty (pier) is a magnet for fish, with dozens of swim-through...",{"@type":21,"latitude":22,"longitude":23},"GeoCoordinates",-33.15784,151.627172,{"@type":25,"addressRegion":26,"addressCountry":27},"PostalAddress","New South Wales","Australia",{"@context":16,"@type":29,"name":30,"description":11,"url":12,"breadcrumb":31},"WebPage","Snorkeling Conditions at Catherine Hill Bay",{"@context":16,"@type":32,"itemListElement":33},"BreadcrumbList",[34,39,42],{"@type":35,"position":36,"name":37,"item":38},"ListItem",1,"Home","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com",{"@type":35,"position":40,"name":26,"item":41},2,"https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fexplore?region=new-south-wales",{"@type":35,"position":43,"name":18,"item":12},3,[45,47,49],{"label":37,"href":46},"\u002F",{"label":26,"href":48},"\u002Fexplore?region=new-south-wales",{"label":18,"href":50},"\u002Fspots\u002Fcatherine-hill-bay",{"id":52,"name":18,"slug":53,"latitude":22,"longitude":23,"description":54,"difficulty":55,"image_url":13,"status":56,"tide_constituents":57,"hazard_entries":108,"access_info_structured":184,"area_boundary":119,"routes":119,"created_at":191,"updated_at":192,"today_conditions":193,"today_verdict_view":214,"images":241,"submitted_by":281,"region_name":26,"verification_status":283,"verified_at":119,"disputed":239,"verifier_count":5,"last_verified_display_name":119},"b748711e-beff-42e5-8eeb-4895013cd22f","catherine-hill-bay","Catherine Hill Bay, on the NSW Central Coast near Swansea, offers a wonderfully varied snorkeling experience. The historic coal-loader jetty (pier) is a magnet for fish, with dozens of swim-throughs and overhangs to explore beneath the pylons — you'll see a variety of fish sheltering among the structure. The southern headland features a massive natural rockpool with crystal-clear indigo and turquoise water, big enough to swim lengths, while \"Shark Hole\" — a dramatic sea cave carved into the cliffs — is accessible via a scenic coastal walk. The area also holds the wreck of the \"Wallarah\" near the jetty for adventurous snorkelers. Named twice among Australia's 101 Best Beaches, this spot combines historic charm with outstanding underwater terrain.","intermediate","published",{"name":58,"amplitude":74,"phase":90,"latitude":22,"model":106,"epoch":107},[59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73],"2N2","J1","K1","K2","M2","M4","MF","MM","N2","O1","P1","Q1","S1","S2","T2",[75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89],0.019026848874175547,0.011089291993953422,0.1610672587447701,0.034539535602553545,0.5025134370230712,0.007147833409914364,0.0025322870451089784,0.002546085339241724,0.11009071291557682,0.09296773259614857,0.048671570383197124,0.017636828999467533,0.015564766340023935,0.12389051020157082,0.007589224493335792,[91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105],279.2766886280567,5.2179471481263136,327.8785445860776,317.7024898228866,306.8729658861125,267.2447593388782,231.97832188613017,101.33223847744341,296.8699455404536,298.53712868466437,324.7444652691832,267.6891965855266,312.96936069953745,314.32469518851985,258.5353776567848,"EOT20","1992-01-01T00:00:00Z",[109,115,120,125,128,132,135,138,141,144,147,151,154,157,160,163,166,169,172,175,178,181],{"name":110,"description":111,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":114},"Rough swell and rogue waves","The rockpool and headland are exposed to ocean swell. Avoid visiting when swell is rough or on high tide, as waves can crash into the rockpool.","warning",6,8,{"name":116,"description":117,"severity":118,"season_start":119,"season_end":119},"Sweeping currents near jetty","The area around the old coal-loader jetty can experience tidal currents. Snorkelers should exercise caution, especially at deeper depths (3-30m).","caution",null,{"name":121,"description":122,"severity":118,"season_start":123,"season_end":124},"Uneven rock platform","Accessing the rockpool and headland requires crossing a wide rock platform with exposed, uneven terrain. Slippery when wet.",5,9,{"name":126,"description":127,"severity":118,"season_start":119,"season_end":119},"Creek crossing at low\u002Fmid tide","The walk to the rockpool requires crossing a small channel\u002Fcreek near the beach. At mid tide it's still shallow but requires careful footing.",{"name":129,"description":130,"severity":118,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Rock platform entry\u002Fexit","Entry is via a rock platform at the headland, which can be slippery and uneven. Care needed when entering and exiting the water, especially in swell.",12,{"name":133,"description":134,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Variable ocean swell","The headland is exposed to ocean swells that can create surgy conditions around the rocks and swim-throughs, reducing visibility and making exits challenging.",{"name":136,"description":137,"severity":118,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Depth variation (3–30 m)","Depth changes rapidly from shallow reef to deeper water. Snorkelers should stay aware of depth transitions and avoid over-exertion when exploring deeper drop-offs.",{"name":139,"description":140,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":114},"Swell \u002F Rogue Waves","Rough swells create dangerous conditions at the rockpool and rock platform. Only safe on low to mid tide with slight swell.",{"name":142,"description":143,"severity":112,"season_start":119,"season_end":119},"Tidal Cut-Off","The rock platform can be cut off on higher tides; access to the rockpool and entry points is tide-dependent.",{"name":145,"description":146,"severity":118,"season_start":119,"season_end":119},"Outgoing Tide Current","Currents around the headland and coal loader jetty can strengthen on outgoing tides, particularly near the inlet channels.",{"name":148,"description":149,"severity":118,"season_start":43,"season_end":150},"Exposed Walk \u002F Sun Exposure","The 3.1 km return walk to the rockpool is fully exposed to sun; no shade along the rock platform.",11,{"name":152,"description":153,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Bull shark sightings","Bull sharks have been spotted by surfers in the area; caution advised, especially in deeper or murky water.",{"name":155,"description":156,"severity":118,"season_start":113,"season_end":114},"Swell and surge near jetty","The Coal Loader jetty area can experience strong surge during easterly swells, making snorkeling challenging.",{"name":158,"description":159,"severity":118,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Sharp submerged debris","Ship chains, cables, and metal hardware from the coal loader litter the seabed — exposed skin and fins can be cut.",{"name":161,"description":162,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Restricted land access","Historical access via a mining road track with a locked gate means entry is restricted; check with local dive shops for current access arrangements.",{"name":164,"description":165,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Swell and surge","The headland is exposed to ocean swell. In bigger swells, exiting at Desoto Inlet becomes unsafe. Only enter in calm, millpond conditions.",{"name":167,"description":168,"severity":118,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Rocky shore entry and exit","Entry and exit are over slippery rocks and a broken stainless steel ladder. Care is needed to avoid falls, especially when carrying gear.",{"name":170,"description":171,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Restricted access","The main track passes through former mining land which has had gates locked or welded shut. Local dive shops may have keys, but access cannot be guaranteed.",{"name":173,"description":174,"severity":118,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Variable depths and drop-offs","Depths range rapidly from 3 m inshore to 16 m+ further out. Snorkelers should stay aware of depth changes and currents near the headland.",{"name":176,"description":177,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":114},"Swell and rogue waves","The rockpool and beach can experience large swells. Avoid visiting during high swell as rogue waves may crash into the rockpool area.",{"name":179,"description":180,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":131},"Outgoing tide current near jetty","Strong tidal currents can develop around the old jetty pylons, particularly on an outgoing tide, which can push snorkelers out to sea.",{"name":182,"description":183,"severity":118,"season_start":119,"season_end":119},"Exposure to sun","The walk along the beach and rock platform is fully exposed with no shade, increasing risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion on hot days.",{"directions":185,"parking":186,"facilities":187,"fees":189,"access_method":190},"130 km (1 hr 40 min) north of Sydney, or 35 km (50 min) south of Newcastle. From the Pacific Highway, turn onto Flowers Drive into Catherine Hill Bay. The beach car park is at the northern end.","Gravel car park at the northern end of Catherine Hill Bay beach (accessible via a short gravel road). Alternatively, park near Catherine Hill Bay Cemetery a few minutes further away.",[188],"parking","Free","shore_entry","2026-07-27T02:55:24.382258Z","2026-08-04T05:36:16.070389Z",{"verdict":194,"evaluated_at":195,"models":196},"go","2026-10-03T02:19:09.553857Z",[197,204,209],{"model_name":198,"is_favourable":199,"value":200,"threshold":201,"unit":202,"operator":203},"Wind Speed",true,4.2,10,"kn","lte",{"model_name":205,"is_favourable":199,"value":206,"threshold":207,"unit":208,"operator":203},"Wave Height",0.49,0.5,"m",{"model_name":210,"is_favourable":199,"value":211,"threshold":40,"unit":212,"operator":213},"Visibility",2.31,"","gte",{"verdict":194,"rating":215,"evaluated_at":195,"generated_at":195,"source":216,"confidence":217,"visibility":220,"parameters":221,"models_passed":240,"models_total":123},"Excellent","precomputed",{"level":218,"value":219},"High",100,{"score":211,"rating":119,"confidence":119},[222,224,228,231,236],{"name":205,"value":223,"label":119,"unit":208,"favourable":199,"score":43,"optimal_max":207,"marginal_max":36},0.4901326148022607,{"name":225,"value":226,"label":119,"unit":227,"favourable":199,"score":43,"optimal_max":114,"marginal_max":131},"Swell Period",6.9,"s",{"name":198,"value":229,"label":119,"unit":202,"favourable":199,"score":43,"optimal_max":201,"marginal_max":230},4.202883511566588,15,{"name":232,"value":233,"label":119,"unit":234,"favourable":199,"score":43,"optimal_max":123,"marginal_max":235},"Precipitation",2.6,"mm",20,{"name":237,"value":119,"label":238,"unit":212,"favourable":239,"score":36,"optimal_max":119,"marginal_max":119},"Tidal Phase","flood",false,4,[242,249,256,263,268,275],{"id":243,"image_url":13,"sort_order":240,"is_primary":199,"moderation_status":244,"license":245,"license_url":246,"attribution":247,"author_name":248},"20aa42f6-8e23-4beb-b43f-872a0766c8fb","approved","CC BY-SA 4.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-sa\u002F4.0\u002F","Photo by Fayeem","Fayeem",{"id":250,"image_url":251,"sort_order":36,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":244,"license":252,"license_url":253,"attribution":254,"author_name":255},"5fb671b0-8d5e-4167-bcae-c0507ae8affd","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_1_14650ef7f525.jpg","CC BY-SA 3.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-sa\u002F3.0\u002F","Peter Ellis at the English-language Wikipedia","Peter Ellis",{"id":257,"image_url":258,"sort_order":40,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":244,"license":259,"license_url":260,"attribution":261,"author_name":262},"9d22d963-af15-4379-8ee4-db0ff6839a05","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_2_73ff3e12a0c6.jpg","CC BY-SA 2.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-sa\u002F2.0\u002F","Photo by Timothy M Roberts","Timothy M Roberts",{"id":264,"image_url":265,"sort_order":43,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":244,"license":245,"license_url":246,"attribution":266,"author_name":267},"14a9d94b-af45-4553-b7f2-df9572fa1ab3","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_3_3a0731f6f4c1.jpg","Photo by Awais leo","Awais leo",{"id":269,"image_url":270,"sort_order":123,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":244,"license":271,"license_url":272,"attribution":273,"author_name":274},"a16c5901-4e9b-4145-a322-e12251ce3fe2","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_5_5f58e72675fe.jpg","CC0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Fpublicdomain\u002Fzero\u002F1.0\u002F","Photo by alan gore image_conscious","alan gore image_conscious",{"id":276,"image_url":277,"sort_order":113,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":244,"license":278,"license_url":119,"attribution":279,"author_name":280},"4d95fc04-7de6-437b-9b02-4e93b8a13f86","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_catherine-hill-bay_6_c8eba4bf8b43.jpg","Public domain","Photo by Sam Hood","Sam Hood",{"display_name":282},"Daniel","unverified",1791009140267]