Five Islands Nature Reserve is a cluster of five continental islands (Flinders, Bass, Martin, Big Island, and Rocky Islet) rising from the Tasman Sea off Port Kembla. The surrounding subtidal reefs and boulder slopes are rich with sponge gardens, kelp forests, and encrusting coral, offering clear-water snorkeling that rivals Sydney's best offshore sites. The islands are sanctuaries for fur seals, little penguins, and migratory seabirds, often seen from the water. Access is strictly by boat — the islands themselves are closed to landing to protect their fragile ecology and Aboriginal heritage. The reserve's sheltered western sides provide calm conditions, while the exposed eastern edges offer dramatic drop-offs and drift snorkeling for the adventurous.
Five Islands Nature Reserve
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Tidal currents between islands
Strong tidal flows pass between the islands, especially around Big Island and Flinders Islet. Can sweep snorkelers away from their vessel.
Moderate risk: Swell and wind chop
The Tasman Sea swell can produce sudden large waves and shore break against the rocky islet edges.
Moderate risk: Legal restrictions — no public access to islands
The reserve is closed to public landing. Entering closed areas or disturbing wildlife carries fines.
Moderate risk: Open ocean swells
Exposed to ocean swell from the Tasman Sea, creating surging conditions around the island and challenging entry/exits from boats.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Ocean currents can sweep around the island unexpectedly, especially on an outgoing tide.
Moderate risk: Remote location
No facilities or shelter on the island; boat access only. Any injury or gear failure requires a boat trip back to Port Kembla.
Low risk: Sharp reef and rocky ledges
Limited safe landing points; rocky fringing reefs with jagged edges and sea urchins.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Marine tour vessels and recreational boat traffic in the waters around Port Kembla.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Water temps range 16–20°C year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit (5-7mm) for comfort and safety.
Low risk: Marine wildlife interactions
While generally playful, fur seals are wild animals and may become defensive if cornered or if pups are present. Highest risk during pupping season (summer).
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
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Getting in
Located 0.5–3.5 km east of Port Kembla, Wollongong. Access is by private boat only — launch from Port Kembla Boat Ramp (91 Foreshore Rd). No public access allowed on the islands themselves; snorkeling is in the surrounding waters only.
Limited parking available near the boat ramp on Foreshore Rd, Port Kembla.
No fees for boating access, but a valid NSW marine park fishing permit may apply.
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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.