The Pipeline, Nelson Bay

Region: Port Stephens, NSW

Skill Level: Beginner

Depth: 0-18 m

Water Temperature: 17-23 °C

Visibility: 1-10 m

Best Time to Dive: High slack tide only; avoid small high tides and after heavy rain

Marine Life: White's seahorse, thorny seahorse, blue-lined octopus, common Sydney octopus, mourning cuttlefish, pyjama squid, decorator crabs, nudibranchs, sea pens, ornate ghost pipefish, cowries, moray eels, blind sharks, wobbegongs, pineapplefish, Nelson Bay anglerfish, cauliflower soft coral

Hazards: Strong tidal current outside high slack (risk of being carried into the main channel or out to sea); low visibility, worse after rain; venomous blue-lined octopus

Facilities: Paid car park off Teramby Road behind Nelson Bay marina; concrete entry steps with handrail at the western end of the marina wall; 2024 works funded a new path, diver stairway, dive preparation table and signage (completion unconfirmed)