Shaws Bay (North Wall Entry) is a gentle shore entry site in New South Wales suited to beginners and those new to snorkelling. The shallow, calm waters sit over seagrass beds, which attract colourful fish and make for relaxed, unhurried exploration. Visibility is variable, so conditions can change between visits, and low visibility is the main hazard to be aware of before you get in. Current is mild, which keeps things manageable. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and showers, making it a comfortable choice for a first outing. The site is best visited between December and May.

The Boat Channel is a sheltered shore snorkelling spot at Lennox Head that works well for beginners thanks to its shallow, calm waters and mild current. You enter directly from shore and explore a reef system that supports a surprisingly wide variety of marine life for a site this accessible. Visibility varies depending on conditions and recent swell, so it pays to check before you go. One genuinely charming detail: pelicans are a regular presence on the surface above you. Be aware that a rip current runs through the channel, so take a moment to read the water before entering and stay within your comfort zone.

Cosy Corner is a shore entry reef site suited to beginners, offering shallow, calm waters that make it a comfortable place to develop your underwater confidence. You can expect to encounter various reef species as you explore the reef structure. Bear in mind that visibility here is variable, so conditions can differ noticeably from one visit to the next. Despite its beginner-friendly depth, the site does experience moderate to strong currents and rip currents at times, so always check conditions before entering. Watch where you put your hands and feet, as stonefish can be present on the reef. Boat traffic is also worth keeping in mind.

Clarkes Beach is a gentle shore entry site in New South Wales suited to new divers and snorkellers. The reef and seagrass beds sit in just 1 to 5 metres of water, so you stay shallow and can surface easily at any point. Visibility varies, so some days are clearer than others, but the mild current keeps conditions manageable. Wobbegong sharks rest on the bottom among the reef, shovelnose rays patrol the sandy patches, and green and hawksbill turtles are regular visitors to the seagrass. Dolphins occasionally pass through the area. Watch for rip currents and surf when entering from shore.

Belongil Beach offers an excellent introduction to shore diving, with easy access from the sand and gentle depths that stay between 1 and 7 metres. You'll explore a small reef system and scattered wreckage that attracts a surprising variety of marine life. The shallow waters make this an ideal spot for building your confidence underwater. Visibility changes with conditions, so be prepared for anything from crystal clear to murky. You'll often spot wobbegong sharks resting on the sand, rays gliding past, and green turtles cruising through. Look carefully around the reef structure for eels tucked into crevices, octopus camouflaged against the rocks, and crayfish hiding in the shadows. Large schools of fish frequently sweep through the area. Mild currents keep things manageable, though you'll need to time your entry and exit carefully. Surf and surge can pick up, particularly when conditions deteriorate. The shore entry requires wading through the break, so wait for sets to pass. Stay alert for boat traffic, especially during busy periods. Parking and toilets are available near the beach. The site works year-round, though calmer days obviously make for easier diving. The combination of accessible depth, decent marine life, and shore convenience makes Belongil Beach a practical choice for newer divers wanting ocean experience.

The Pass is a varied beginner site off New South Wales that combines reef, wall, pinnacle, and cave formations across depths of 5 to 20 metres. The shallower sections are forgiving for newer divers, while the wall and pinnacle offer a bit more to explore as your confidence grows. Visibility can vary considerably, so conditions are not always predictable. The current runs moderate and can strengthen unexpectedly, so stay close to your guide and conserve your air. Various reef species move through the site year-round. Sharks are occasionally present, which is normal reef behaviour, but worth knowing before you enter.

Wategos Beach offers a gentle introduction to reef snorkelling and diving along the New South Wales coast. The shallow, calm waters make it forgiving for beginners, though conditions and visibility can vary depending on swell and season, so check forecasts before you go. The reef here is home to wobbegong sharks resting on the bottom (they look more intimidating than they are), sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish. Dolphins also pass through the area. Watch for boat traffic and assess the surf before entering, as both can catch newcomers off guard. Basic facilities including parking and toilets are on site.

Inner Rock offers beginner divers an accessible introduction to New South Wales diving, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 metres that let you choose your comfort level. The boat-only site features visibility between 7 to 25 metres, giving you clear views of the varied marine life that makes this spot worthwhile. You'll encounter grey nurse sharks gliding through the water column, wobbegong sharks resting on the bottom, and leopard sharks patrolling the reef. Look up occasionally to spot manta rays and eagle rays passing overhead, while sea turtles cruise by at mid-depths. The reef itself hosts hard and soft corals populated by colourful nudibranchs, with schools of kingfish adding movement to the scene. Bull rays often settle on sandy patches between coral formations. The moderate current keeps things interesting without being overwhelming, though it can strengthen at times. Watch for sea urchins tucked into crevices and stay aware that visibility can drop during certain conditions. Local dive shops provide all necessary services including equipment rental, guided tours, and boat charters. The site dives well year-round, making it reliable whenever you're in the area. This versatile location works well for building confidence while experiencing the diversity of temperate Australian waters.