Haydens Rock is a prominent rocky outcrop rising from the ocean approximately 150 metres off the shore between Pebbly Beach and Forster's Main Beach on the NSW Mid North Coast. This accessible nearshore site sits within the Port Stephens Marine Park, offering snorkelers a mix of rocky reef terrain and sandy patches. The rock itself forms a natural breakwater, creating relatively sheltered conditions along its lee side that make it a popular spot for beginners and intermediate snorkelers alike when conditions are calm.
Haydens Rock
IntermediateGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 7.2 sWind Speed 9.8 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Swell and surf conditions
Haydens Rock can hold swells up to about 10 feet (3m), making conditions dangerous on bigger days. Snorkeling only safe when swell is low and seas are calm.
Low risk: Strong tidal currents
Tidal flow around the rock can create rips and currents, particularly between the rock and the shore. Snorkelers should be aware of tide changes.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Located 150m offshore in an area shared with dive boats, fishing vessels and surfers. Snorkelers need to stay aware and use a dive flag/surface marker.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Access from Pebbly Beach or Forster Main Beach. Haydens Rock is the large rock visible ~150m offshore between these two beaches. Park in the Pebbly Beach carpark or along Beach Street, Forster, then swim out to the rock when conditions are calm.
Parking & facilities
Pebbly Beach carpark off Beach Street, Forster. Also street parking along Beach Street.
parkingtoiletsshowers
Free public beach access.
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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