Dive-site story
Located just off the coast of Fingal Head in northern New South Wales, this marine reserve serves as a sanctuary where tropical coral species intermingle with temperate reef fish. The volcanic island features shallow boulder fields, narrow gutters, and swim-throughs exposed to open-ocean currents. Diver traffic focuses on the sheltered western and northern ledges, where resident sea turtles congregate among kelp patches and soft coral gardens.
Reliable encounters with resident green and loggerhead turtles feeding across the shallow kelp and reef flats.
Warmer water brings aggregations of docile leopard sharks resting on the sandy fringes.
Winter conditions attract solitary grey nurse sharks and massive bull rays cruising through the deeper rocky channels.
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Summer and autumn offer warmer currents, calm mornings, and peak numbers of leopard sharks and manta rays.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green sea turtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Zebra shark (Leopard shark)Stegostoma tigrinum | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Spotted wobbegongOrectolobus maculatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Grey nurse sharkCarcharias taurus | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Bull rayBathytoshia brevicaudata | Common |
Marine forecast
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