Fly Point is a protected aquatic reserve on the Nelson Bay headland, nestled between Nelson Bay Beach and Little Beach on the NSW Mid North Coast. This shore-entry snorkel spot boasts lush kelp forests, vivid sponge gardens, and rocky reefs teeming with marine life just metres from the beach. As one of NSW's most celebrated shore-diving and snorkelling sites, it offers easy access to a vibrant underwater world including wobbegong sharks, octopus, blue gropers, and seahorses. The shallow bay (1–3 m depth) is best visited at high tide when entry is safest and visibility peaks.
Fly Point - Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 5.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Strong currents at bay edges
Currents run along both the left and right sides of the bay, which can be strong; flippers advised.
Low risk: Boat traffic near reserve boundary
The aquatic reserve is a no-take sanctuary, but boat traffic can occur near the boundary markers. Stay within the marked zone and watch for vessels.
Low risk: Changing tides and currents
Tidal flows through the Port Stephens estuary can create moderate currents, particularly around the point. Check local tide tables before entering.
Low risk: Sharp rocky entry/exit
The carved-out entrance between rocks has sharp edges; ocean shoes or flippers strongly recommended to avoid cuts.
Low risk: Sea urchins
Sea urchins are present among the rocks along the shoreline and seabed year-round.
Low risk: Low tide swimming difficulty
Low tide exposes sharp rocks and makes water entry/exit significantly more hazardous. High tide is recommended.
Low risk: Jellyfish presence
Jellyfish can be present in the water during warmer months.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located at Fly Point off Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay. From the Nelson Bay town centre, walk east along the foreshore past the marina and main beach to the point. The snorkel entry is at the bottom of a staircase carved between rocks, opposite the boardwalk.
Parking & facilities
Plenty of free street parking available along Victoria Parade and nearby streets.
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Free entry — no fees required.
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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