Cod Grounds Marine Park is an offshore sanctuary 30 km south of Port Macquarie, protecting a series of underwater pinnacles rising from 40 m depths on the mid-north coast of NSW. This small 4 km² marine park is renowned as a critical habitat for the critically endangered east coast grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus), which aggregates here year-round, often resting motionless above the seafloor. Winter brings migrating humpback whales through the park, while subtropical corals, prolific fish life, and seabirds complete the extraordinary underwater seascape. Access is exclusively by boat-led snorkel or dive tour from Camden Haven or Port Macquarie.
Cod Grounds Marine Park
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 7.3 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase slack
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© Richard LingDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Cod Grounds Marine Park has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Deep water (21–46 m) danger
Average depth of 40 m means this is primarily a deep dive site rather than surface snorkeling. Extended breath-hold snorkeling is not recommended due to depth and boat traffic.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Deep water (21–46 m)
Average depth of 40 m means this is primarily a deep dive site rather than surface snorkeling. Extended breath-hold snorkeling is not recommended due to depth and boat traffic.
Moderate risk: Strong offshore currents
The park sits 5 nautical miles offshore in open ocean, with depths of 21–46 m. Strong currents can develop around the pinnacles, requiring competent swimming and boat support.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Open ocean location with dive and charter vessels operating in the area. Snorkelers must stay close to their support boat.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Winter water temperatures can drop significantly, increasing hypothermia risk for extended exposure.
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Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
From Port Macquarie, head south for 30 km to Camden Haven (Laurieton). The marine park is located 5 nautical miles (approx. 9 km) offshore from Camden Haven. Several licensed charter operators depart from Port Macquarie and Camden Haven offering guided dive/snorkel trips to the site.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Camden Haven boat ramps and at Port Macquarie marina precincts. Street parking and public car parks are located near the harbour areas.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee for the marine park itself, but visitors must book a licensed charter operator (fee varies by operator, typically AUD $120–$200 per person for a half-day trip including equipment).
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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