Snorkelling expeditions are part and parcel with coastal holidays, and Port Stephens delivers the goods year-round (if you can brave the chillier temps in winter, that is). One of the most accessible spots is Fly Point Aquatic Reserve, an idyllic inlet positioned between Nelson Bay and Little Beach that extends 500 metres off-shore. This area is completely protected — no fishing allowed — making it a popular spot for snorkelling and shore scuba diving.
You can expect sponge and kelp gardens that wobbegong sharks, nudibranchs, blue gropers, pineapple fish and the occasional seahorse call home. If you're lucky, you may even spy a turtle. Keep an eye out for butterfly fish, butterfly cod and damselfish during the warmer months, too. Don't have snorkelling gear with you? You can hire some from Let's Go Adventures in Nelson Bay.
Image: John Turnbull via Flickr