

Bennets Head North is a gentle shore dive off New South Wales that suits beginners well. The reef sits in easy shallow waters of 8 to 10 metres, with visibility ranging from 5 to 30 metres depending on conditions. There is no current to contend with, so you can take your time exploring at a relaxed pace. The reef attracts a solid mix of marine life including shovel nose rays, bull rays, Port Jackson sharks, and turtles. Keep an eye on the rocky surfaces for moray eels, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs, while red morwong, eastern blue groupers, and lobsters are also commonly encountered here.
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The best diving conditions at Bennets Head North tend to fall between July and October, when visibility is most likely to reach the clearer end of the range. A dive shop with equipment rental and air fills is available nearby, so you do not need to bring your full kit.
The site is accessed via boat charters from local operators such as Forster Dive Centre or Dive Forster at Fisherman's Wharf.
certifications_required
Depth
8-10m
Visibility
5-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Boat required
Water Temp
28-32°C
Current
None
Best Time
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Bennets Head North in Forster Tuncurry, New South Wales requires boat access despite being classified as a shore dive site. Local dive charters operate from Forster Tuncurry and provide transport to this dive location. The site lies at depths between 8 and 10 metres, making boat access the practical entry method.
Bennets Head North is specifically rated as a beginner-level dive site with shallow depths of 8 to 10 metres and no current. No certification is required, though supervised diving is recommended for those new to the activity. The calm conditions and shallow profile make it an ideal training site in the Forster Tuncurry area.
Bennets Head North hosts shovel nose rays, bull rays, and sea turtles as signature species, alongside eastern blue groupers and red morwong. Divers regularly encounter moray eels sheltering in reef crevices, cuttlefish, and colourful nudibranchs. The shallow reef structure between 8 and 10 metres creates habitat for this diverse range of species.
The best months to dive Bennets Head North are July through October during the Australian winter and early spring. Water temperatures during this period range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, with visibility typically between 5 and 30 metres. These months offer the most consistent diving conditions at this New South Wales site.
Visibility at Bennets Head North varies from 5 to 30 metres depending on weather conditions and seasonal factors. The site experiences its clearest water during the winter months of July to October. The shallow depth of 8 to 10 metres means that even moderate visibility provides good viewing conditions for marine life.
Night diving is permitted at Bennets Head North, offering opportunities to observe nocturnal species like moray eels and cuttlefish. The shallow depth of 8 to 10 metres and absence of currents make it a manageable night dive for appropriately trained divers. Local dive charters in Forster Tuncurry can arrange night diving excursions to the site.
Forster Tuncurry provides comprehensive dive facilities including dive shops, boat charters, air fills, and equipment rental for visiting Bennets Head North. No entry fee is charged to dive the site. All necessary services for a diving trip are available in the nearby town.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Bennets Head North in Forster Tuncurry. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Bennets Head North in Forster Tuncurry. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C.