Hayden's Rock is a renowned offshore reef dive and snorkel site off Pebbly Beach near Forster, NSW, lying within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park. This submerged rocky outcrop rises from sandy seafloor and is famous for its crystal-clear visibility (often exceeding 30 metres) and resident grey nurse sharks — a critically endangered species that congregates here year-round. The site features low-relief gutters, bommies, and swim-throughs encrusted with colourful sponges, sea fans, and gorgonians. A must-visit for snorkellers comfortable with open-water boat access, Hayden's Rock offers exhilarating drift-style viewing of large pelagics, wobbegongs, Port Jackson sharks, and schools of kingfish in a dramatic, current-swept setting.
Hayden's Rock
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.3 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Hayden's Rock has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Limited shore access danger
This is an offshore site requiring boat access only; no land-based entry is possible, and the nearest shore is a significant distance away.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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High risk: Limited shore access
This is an offshore site requiring boat access only; no land-based entry is possible, and the nearest shore is a significant distance away.
Moderate risk: Tidal Currents
Hayden's Rock is subject to moderate to strong tidal currents that can sweep snorkellers away from the reef. Snorkelling is best done on slack tide or with a guide.
Moderate risk: Deep Open Ocean Site
Open ocean site with no nearby shore; boat access only. Snorkellers must be comfortable in deep water with no land in sight.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Bait Grounds is a popular fishing and diving location with regular boat traffic in the area. Snorkellers must be vigilant of vessels fishing the grounds.
Moderate risk: Ocean currents
Offshore reef currents can be strong and unpredictable, particularly during changing tides around the Port Stephens marine area.
Moderate risk: Depth
The site is located in deeper offshore waters (typically 15-25m), making it unsuitable for novice snorkellers and requiring strong swimming ability and confidence in deep water.
Moderate risk: Swell and surge
The shoals are open to ocean swells. Surge over the reef can push snorkelers into rocky bommies.
Low risk: Swell Exposure
Exposed to southerly and easterly swells; seas can build quickly. Choppy conditions reduce visibility and make boat operations difficult.
Low risk: Large Shark Encounters
Sharks including grey nurse (critically endangered), wobbegongs, and Port Jackson sharks are common. While generally not aggressive to snorkellers, their presence requires calm, respectful behaviour.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Hayden's Rock is located off Pebbly Beach in the Forster area of NSW's Mid North Coast. It is accessible by boat, typically departing from Fisherman's Wharf in Forster with local dive operators such as Dive Forster or Forster Dive Centre.
Parking & facilities
Parking available near Fisherman's Wharf or at Pebbly Beach carpark.
parkingtoilets
No direct fee for the site itself, but boat access via local dive/snorkel charter operators requires a trip fee.
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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