Catherine Hill Bay combines natural reef, a wreck, and artificial reef structures across a depth range of 3 to 30 metres, giving intermediate divers genuine variety on a single shore entry. Visibility swings between 5 and 25 metres depending on conditions, with the cleaner water typically found from autumn through to late spring. A moderate current runs through the site, so timing your dive around the slack is worth doing. Rays and Port Jackson sharks patrol the bottom, flathead sit camouflaged on sandy patches, and schools of yellowtail, silver sweep, and seapike work the mid-water. Nudibranchs reward anyone who slows down and looks closely at the structure.
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Enter on an incoming tide to reduce the rip current risk and make your exit easier through the surf. The wreck and artificial reef sections involve overhead environments, so bring a torch even if the visibility looks good from the surface.
Access is via the main beach at Catherine Hill Bay. Parking is available near the Catherine Hill Bay Surf Life Saving Club. The calmest entry point is generally to the south of the coal loader jetty.
The old coal loader jetty is in a state of disrepair and is slowly falling apart, creating potential overhead and entanglement hazards from sunken pieces, chains, and cables. The site is exposed to ocean swell, and surf conditions can be hazardous.
Depth
3-30m
Visibility
5-25m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
15-25°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Catherine Hill Bay in New South Wales offers optimal snorkelling conditions from May through October during the Australian autumn and winter months. The water temperature during these months ranges from 15°C to 25°C, with visibility typically between 5 and 25 metres. These cooler months provide more stable conditions with reduced surf and currents compared to summer.
Catherine Hill Bay on the Central Coast hosts diverse marine life including Port Jackson sharks, rays, and flathead along the sandy bottom. Schools of yellowtail, silver sweep, and seapike frequent the area, whilst colourful nudibranchs can be found on rocky surfaces. The site's varied depth range from 3 to 30 metres supports different species across shallow and deeper zones.
Catherine Hill Bay requires intermediate snorkelling skills and Open Water certification due to moderate currents and several hazards. The site experiences surf, rip currents, and strong currents that demand confident swimming ability and ocean awareness. Shore entry conditions and potential entanglement risks from overhead environments make this unsuitable for beginners despite depths starting at 3 metres.
Catherine Hill Bay offers shore entry from the beach on the Central Coast of New South Wales, with no boat required. The site provides basic facilities including toilets, and there is no entry fee to access the snorkelling area. Snorkellers should be prepared for surf conditions during entry and exit.
Catherine Hill Bay presents several significant hazards including rip currents, strong currents, and surf conditions that require careful assessment before entry. Entanglement risks exist from overhead environments and underwater structures, whilst moderate currents can challenge even experienced snorkellers. The site's conditions demand constant awareness and the ability to handle changing ocean dynamics.
Water visibility at Catherine Hill Bay on the Central Coast ranges from 5 to 25 metres depending on recent weather, swell conditions, and seasonal factors. The best visibility typically occurs during the autumn and winter months from May to October when conditions are more settled. Calmer days with minimal surf produce clearer water, whilst storms and strong swells can reduce visibility substantially.
Catherine Hill Bay requires Open Water certification due to the challenging conditions including moderate to strong currents and depths reaching 30 metres. Whilst the shallow areas start at 3 metres, the site's hazards including rip currents and overhead environments necessitate proper training and ocean competency. The intermediate skill level rating reflects the need for formal certification and experience.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Catherine Hill Bay in Central Coast. Water temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C.
Catherine Hill Bay in Central Coast has depths ranging from 3 metres to 30 metres.
Catherine Hill Bay in Central Coast offers snorkelling with a rating of 1 out of 5. Shallow areas start from 3 metres, making it accessible for snorkellers.
A typical dive at Catherine Hill Bay in Central Coast lasts approximately 50 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.
Yes, night diving is available at Catherine Hill Bay in Central Coast. Night dives often reveal different marine life including nocturnal creatures. Always dive with proper lighting and a buddy.
