Those who are interested in going to the great barrier reef should definitely make a trip up there, but there is also some amazing snorkeling and diving right in Sydney. I highly recommend getting a cheap set of snorkel gear and finding a cheap wetsuit to protect from sun, jellies, and getting too cold. I found a 4 mm thick suit was perfect, anything more is probably overkill especially going into summer. Here is a list of some of my favorite snorkel spots.
Shelly Beach: Near Manly Beach in North Sydney, lots of fish and tons of great snorkeling. If you’re lucky you may even see some Port Jackson sharks. The ferry to Manly from Circular Quay also has a great view of the opera house so that’s a plus.
Chowder Bay: Kind of a hidden gem, not much to see but there are tons of seahorses if that interests you. There is a net set up under the dock there where a reef has formed and if you look close enough you can see the little guys holding onto the net as well.
Little Bay: Near LaPerouse (south of Maroubra Beach) and a nice place to spend the day. Bare Island is right near it so it’s a good two-stop trip if you hit both spots in one day. I saw some eels, Wobbegong sharks, and eel-tailed catfish.
Bare Island: Not far from Little Bay, great for octopus spotting if you look closely under rocks.
Rebekah Muldoon
Fall 2024
GW Exchange - University of New South Wales (Sydney)
School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Biomedical Engineering Major