The Chimney is a distinctive rock formation and snorkeling site off the NSW South Coast near Narooma, where a narrow channel cuts through a rocky headland creating a natural chimney-like passage. When seas are calm, snorkelers can drift through the channel among gutweed, encrusting sponges, and kelp forests clinging to the sandstone walls. The site offers a unique tunnel-like underwater experience with filtered light cascading through the crevice above, making it a memorable drift snorkel for those comfortable with swell surges.
The Chimney
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.2 sWind Speed 4.9 knPrecipitation 13 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Swell Surge
Swell surges can push snorkelers against the rocky walls of the chimney channel, especially on days with southerly swells.
Moderate risk: Tidal Current
Strong tidal currents flowing through the narrow channel can make entry and exit difficult.
Low risk: Sharp Rocks
Sharp rocks and barnacles line the entry and exit points along the rocky shoreline.
Low risk: Changing Sea Conditions
Swell conditions change quickly; the site may be unsafe in moderate to large seas.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The Chimney is located along the NSW South Coast, accessible from Narooma. Take the Princes Highway to Narooma, then follow local roads to the coastal access points near the headland south of the town. The site is known among local snorkelers and requires a short walk from the car park to the rocky shoreline entry.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking is available near the access point; no formal car park.
parking
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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