Halifax Park, part of the Fly Point-Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve on the shores of Nelson Bay, is one of NSW's premier shore-diving and snorkelling destinations. Sheltered within Port Stephens, the site features a gentle rocky entry that drops into lush sponge gardens, kelp forests, and sandy gutters at just 5-8 metres deep. The protected aquatic sanctuary status means fish are abundant and unafraid — expect close encounters with blue gropers, wobbegong sharks, and if you're lucky, pot-bellied seahorses. The calm, clear waters and easy access make it a favourite for families and underwater photographers alike.
Halifax Park
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 5.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Boat traffic near entry
The shore entry is adjacent to a boat channel; snorkellers should keep a surface marker visible and stay close to the rocky shoreline.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Currents can pick up as the tide changes. Best snorkelling conditions are at the top of high tide when water is clearest and calmest.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Nelson Bay town centre, head east along Victoria Parade. The park is located at the end of Victoria Parade near the intersection with Government Road, right along the waterfront between Little Beach and Shoal Bay. Parking is available along Victoria Parade.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking along Victoria Parade. Arrive early on weekends and holidays.
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Free entry. No fees required for snorkelling at the aquatic reserve.
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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