

Cod Hole is a sheltered reef dive off New South Wales that suits beginners well, with no current and depths ranging from 6 to 16 metres. Visibility typically runs 10 to 20 metres, giving you plenty of time to spot what lives here. The reef holds wobbegong sharks and Port Jackson sharks resting on the bottom, so take your time scanning ledges and sandy patches. Grey nurse sharks also frequent the site. Soft corals and sponges give the reef structure colour and texture, and nudibranchs reward anyone who slows down and looks closely. Boat traffic in the area is the main hazard, so stay aware when surfacing.
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Keep a close eye on your surroundings when you surface, as boat traffic is the primary hazard at this site. A surface marker buoy is strongly recommended for the ascent.
The site is accessed via boat charter from Port Macquarie. Local operators like SCUBA Haven (20 Merrigal Rd, Port Macquarie) or Jetty Dive provide trips to the site.
Requires boat access, typically via dive charter.
Potential for boat traffic in the area.
Depth
6-18m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
19-26°C
Current
None
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
Cod Hole in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, is home to three shark species: wobbegong sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and grey nurse sharks. The site's depth range of 6 to 16 metres makes these encounters accessible to divers of all levels. The sharks share the reef with abundant nudibranchs, soft corals, and sponges.
Cod Hole reaches a maximum depth of 16 metres, with the shallowest sections at 6 metres. This moderate depth range makes it suitable for beginner divers with Open Water certification. The site offers excellent reef exploration across multiple depth zones.
You need an Open Water certification to dive Cod Hole in New South Wales. The site's beginner-friendly conditions, with depths between 6 and 16 metres and no current, make it ideal for newly certified divers. Boat access is required, arranged through local dive charters in Port Macquarie.
The best months to dive Cod Hole are January through August, covering Australia's summer and autumn seasons. Water temperatures range from 19 to 26 degrees Celsius during this period. Visibility typically measures between 10 and 20 metres throughout these months.
Cod Hole requires boat access and cannot be reached from shore. Dive charters and boat services operate from Port Macquarie to transport divers to the site. Local dive shops provide both equipment and charter services for accessing this offshore reef.
Cod Hole is classified as a beginner-level dive site with excellent conditions for learning divers. The site has no current, moderate depths up to 16 metres, and good visibility between 10 and 20 metres. Night diving is also available for those wanting to progress their skills.
The primary hazard at Cod Hole is boat traffic, as the site requires boat access and is used by multiple charter operators. Divers should deploy surface marker buoys during ascent and maintain awareness of vessel activity. The site has no current and calm conditions otherwise.
Night diving is permitted at Cod Hole in Port Macquarie, offering opportunities to observe nocturnal marine behaviour. The site's shallow maximum depth of 16 metres and absence of current make it suitable for night dives. Arrange night dives through local charter operators who know the site's boat traffic patterns.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Cod Hole in Port Macquire. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 26°C.