Mystery Bay is a shore entry reef dive in New South Wales that suits beginners well, with depths running from 8 to 15 metres and visibility that can reach 30 metres on a good day. The reef hosts a variety of local species, so take your time and look carefully around the coral structures. Be aware that currents here are moderate, so pick a calm day and plan your entry and exit before you get in the water. Watch where you put your hands and fins, as the coral is sharp and easily damaged.

Mystery Bay Rock Pool is a sheltered shore entry site ideal for beginners and snorkellers exploring the New South Wales coast. The shallow, calm waters make it a forgiving environment to build confidence underwater. Visibility varies depending on conditions, so calmer days reward you with clearer water. Look out for red morwong, luderick, and bream moving through the reef, along with gropers, rays, and starfish resting on the bottom. Sea anemones, sponges, shellfish, and tube worms add texture to the rocky reef structure. Be aware that a rip current can develop in the area, so always check conditions before entering.

Big Seal is defined by its resident Australian and New Zealand fur seals, which turn this New South Wales pinnacle into one of the more animated dives on the coast. The site drops from 5 metres down to 40 metres, putting it firmly in deep diving territory, with visibility ranging from 10 to 40 metres depending on conditions. Current runs variable, so check before you descend. Grey nurse sharks and wobbegong sharks patrol the structure alongside Port Jackson sharks, while blue groper, kingfish, and the occasional dolphin or sea turtle pass through. Nudibranchs reward anyone who slows down and looks closely at the reef.

The Aquarium lives up to its name by delivering unusually clear water and a reliable parade of marine life at beginner-friendly depths of 2 to 18 metres. Visibility regularly reaches 40 metres, which means you can spot fiddler rays and Port Jackson sharks resting on the sand well before you reach them. Australian and New Zealand fur seals are frequent visitors, often curious enough to circle you on the reef. Blue groper, nudibranchs, and turtles round out the regular cast. Be aware that currents can run strong at times, and some surge is normal, so stick close to your guide and descend when conditions allow.

Montague Island sits offshore from New South Wales and offers beginner divers an impressive mix of reef, kelp forest, cavern, and drop-off diving from a single boat entry. Depths run from 3 to 35 metres, though you can stay well within the shallower end while you find your feet. Visibility commonly reaches 10 to 40 metres, which makes reading the underwater terrain straightforward. The site hosts an unusually varied mix of animals, including New Zealand and Australian fur seals, little penguins, Port Jackson sharks, grey nurse sharks, and sea turtles. A moderate current and some surge are present, so stay close to your guide. September through November is the prime window.

Narooma Wharf is a shore entry site where the current does most of the work for you, making it a straightforward drift dive in easy shallow waters down to 8 metres. Visibility here regularly reaches 10 to 30 metres, which is excellent for beginners still getting comfortable reading their surroundings underwater. You can expect to encounter various reef species along the way. The strong current is both the main attraction and the main challenge, so stick close to the wharf structure and plan your entry and exit points carefully before you get in. January and February are the best months to visit.

The Seals is Montague Island's signature experience — a shallow, sheltered dive site where Australian and New Zealand fur seals interact directly with divers. The seals here are famously curious and playful, often described as "puppy mermaids" for the way they mimic divers' movements, performing barrel rolls and somersaults at arm's length. Depths run from 2 to 15 metres, making this accessible to newer divers, with visibility frequently reaching 10 to 40 metres. The mild current keeps things manageable. Beyond the seals, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegong sharks, blue groper, moray eels, and cuttlefish share the reef. Peak seal numbers (sometimes over 1,000) occur in spring and early summer, with pups most active December to May.

Bar Beach South is a gentle shore entry site well suited to new divers and snorkellers. The seagrass beds here are worth taking your time over, as they provide ideal habitat for seahorses and juvenile fish going about their daily business. Visibility can reach up to 25 metres on a good day, which makes spotting the smaller creatures much easier. Squid and jellyfish also move through the area regularly. Currents are mild, and the calm, shallow conditions mean you can focus on looking rather than managing your buoyancy. Watch for boat traffic near the entry and exit point.