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Log This Dive

Flagstaff

Flagstaff, right there in Port Stephens, is one of those sites we always suggest for an easy Sunday morning dive. It’s shallow, capping out around seven metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to really poke around. We love it because it’s surprisingly rich for a sandy bottom, with those rocky edges by the bay entrance providing plenty of nooks. You’ve got two ways in: a gentle entry through the bay or, our preferred, a step over the rocks. Just time that rock entry for high tide, it makes things much smoother. Once you’re in, we usually head for the rock structures outside the bay, where the real show happens. We’ve had incredible luck here spotting southern eagle rays gliding over the sand flats, and the nudibranch variety is impressive if you’re looking closely – we’ve found everything from vibrant reds to subtle browns. Schools of bannerfish often hang around the rock walls, and in winter, if you’re lucky, a grey nurse shark might just cruise past. Visibility averages about seven metres, so it’s never a vast blue, but it’s clear enough to appreciate the details. It’s perfect for macro enthusiasts or just a chilled-out dive where you don't need to worry about depth or complex navigation.