Fly Point
Fly Point
4.5
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4.5
175 reviews
Excellent
103
Very good
55
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,005 contributions
Apr 2022
A tiny, protected little bay, Fly Point is a snorkeler’s playground and there’s lots to see.
If you are looking for a swimming beach, then this is far too small and rocky and you are better off going around the corner to Little Beach but for snorkelers this is a favourite spot.
There’s only a very small stretch of sand at Fly Point, hemmed in by rocky outcrops and small boulders. At one end, fallen gum trees dip down into the sea. It’s very scenic in a wild, windswept sort of way.
Protected since 1983, Fly Point is an important sanctuary and has a large number of fish, sea sponge gardens, sensitive seagrasses, kelp forests, anemones and soft corals. A colourful sign at the top of the Fly Point stairs illustrates some of the many fish which include blue groupers, octopus, seahorses, butterfly fish and damsel fish.
It is easy to miss Fly Point. If you don’t know that it’s there, you can walk right past it. Keep an eye out for a long set of stairs opposite Neil Carroll Rotary Park which will lead you down to the bay.
If you are looking for a swimming beach, then this is far too small and rocky and you are better off going around the corner to Little Beach but for snorkelers this is a favourite spot.
There’s only a very small stretch of sand at Fly Point, hemmed in by rocky outcrops and small boulders. At one end, fallen gum trees dip down into the sea. It’s very scenic in a wild, windswept sort of way.
Protected since 1983, Fly Point is an important sanctuary and has a large number of fish, sea sponge gardens, sensitive seagrasses, kelp forests, anemones and soft corals. A colourful sign at the top of the Fly Point stairs illustrates some of the many fish which include blue groupers, octopus, seahorses, butterfly fish and damsel fish.
It is easy to miss Fly Point. If you don’t know that it’s there, you can walk right past it. Keep an eye out for a long set of stairs opposite Neil Carroll Rotary Park which will lead you down to the bay.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
One of our best snorkels ever at this site! Straight into the water from shore at high tide, and we were immediately surrounded by schools of shining silver fish of all sizes. Highlights included a wobbegong shark, a pair of miniature cuttlefish, a colourful nudibranch and a big blue grouper! Awesome natural encounter. 🐟😀
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hayes22017
Corlette, Australia2 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Fly Point is must see for snorkeling. No, there are no fly's there, it's about flying a flag! But be careful. If the tide is running out, and you are leisurely swimming around looking at the fish, you may get close to the oyster rocks near the shoreline. On if you get washed in or over the oyster rocks, then you'll very likely get oyster cuts. Just keep 20 metres from the shore and you'll be OK.
Written 25 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JalanJalan69
128 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Fly point, like the rest of this beautiful area is marred by restrictions. The most noteworthy thing in the area are the signs telling you things your just not allowed to do. NO dogs, NO camping, NO fishing ...... THATS RIGHT....... NO FISHING, NO parking, NO drinking, NO barbecues, NO littering, NO horse riding, NO skate boarding, YES the list goes on. There are more signs and fines here than there are attractions. Sorry to say there are better places to go on this planet that have a lovely view, and many of them have warmer water. There are no businesses or food outlets because it's basically a pretty sedentary area. Not much happens here, especially in winter, but if you park in the wrong place even in winter there will be a fine coming your way FAST.
Written 17 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark B
Nelson Bay, Australia137 contributions
July 2017 • Family
A great place to take the kids where they can hand feed the local fish. Once you have attracted the attention of the fish you will find that the water boils with hungry fish right up to your legs if you dare. The best food to feed them is bread. To find this spot, follow the road to the northern end of Fly Point where you will come across a car parking area. You will then find a set of stairs leading down to a rocky beach. At the bottom of these stairs you will find a small gap in the rocks (sandy bottom) where you can wade into the water and start throwing pieces of bread into the water. It won't take long before you find many fish attracted to the bread. A great place for the kids to have some fun and interact with the wildlife.
Written 17 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ally G
Auburn, CA673 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
We read all the great reviews for snorkeling at Fly Point. No one mentioned that it is totally dependent on the tides. When we were in Nelson Bay - the tides for optimal snorkeling are at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. We rented snorkel gear anyway hoping the snorkel shop staff just thought we are dumb tourists who had never snorkeled. We went to Fly Point - the tide was out - very shallow, hard entry because of all the rocks and very murky water - low visibility. We could not go out very deep or we would be swept away by the strong current. We did see a small shark and some fish but definitely not the stellar experience we hoped for.
Written 1 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenks_in_Sydney
Sydney, Australia33 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
Excellent spot for snorkelling, an abundance of fish, however recommend strong swimmers only, my husband and son were caught in a current and were only able to stay afloat as they were strong swimmers, luckily some passers by on kayaks were able to get them back to shore. Sadly a tourist had passed away the day before in the same spot
Written 23 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Just went for snorkelling during Christmas, a very beautiful day. When you walk into the water, be careful of sharp oyster on the rock, I got cut on my toe. Many fish but the water is not quite clear. Another thing happened to me, for one time, I get into the water from Nelson bay where my family stay towards fly point, there's a sign on the rock saying dangerous with current but I didn't think too much, until I was caught in strong current that took me away from the shore. I made a mistake and tried hard to swim against it with fin but didn't work. I was becoming panic a bit and luckily there was a kayak not far away, I raised one of my my arm and waved to him, he came to me and helped me to get back to the shore, thank god!
Written 1 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littlerae0fsunshine
Maitland, Australia292 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Great spot for swimming, especially for kids. No big waves & the water is so clear you can see fish. Actually sighted a fairy penguin swimming around us chasing the fish. Brilliant for the grandson!
Written 15 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob v
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
June 2019 • Friends
Love to dive at this dive site. Easy access with proper stairs straight into the water. Teaming with fish. Have seen turtles and even a dolphin under water. Easy to navigate (go out to your preferred depth and head left. When you turn, just go a few meters towards the shore and head back.
Written 11 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What was the water temperature? We will visit here in March of next year. Wondered if it is cold. Thanks!
Written 18 September 2019
No not cold,March on Australia's mid east coast is lovely, water should still be warm and weather 25 -28ish,not humid. My favourite time of year to holiday as it's out of school holidays, cheaper and less crowded.
Written 18 September 2019
My family experienced snorkeling in the Caribbean a few years ago and loved it. We are coming to Newcastle in December and I am looking for good spots to take them snorkeling. Ones where it is safe and lots to see. What do you suggest?
Thanking You In Advance,
Chris
Written 10 October 2015
We have a great spot at Nelson Bay called FLY POINT. (about 55K's from Newcastle) It is great for snorkelling & diving, with a lot of people using it. Probably best on high tide, & don't go to wide as there are currents. It is in Port Stephens & not an ocean site.
Hope this helps.
Written 11 October 2015
Hi I was wondering what we would need to bring, and if we need any sort of experience or gear for snorkeling.
Written 25 December 2014
At Fly Point, we found waterproof shoes necessary either surf sandals or at least rubber thongs to get you into the water as it is quite rocky around the entry point at the bottom of the stairs from the car park.
Although the signs say not to, someone was feeding prawn heads etc to the fish in the water and this attracted dozens of large silver bream.
If you are not an experienced snorkellers, might I suggest you go right on high tide as the water would be calmest then before the fairly strong rush out tide. Tide also affects visibility in the water. If you are not strong swimmers avoid the rushing in or out tide.
Of course, snorkel and goggles are needed
Written 25 December 2014
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