Fly Point
Fly Point, Nelson Bay: Address, Fly Point Reviews: 4.5/5
Fly Point
4.5
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
96 within 5 kms
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Attractions
45 within 10 kms
Nelson Bay Beach
1
0.3 kmBeaches
Neil Carroll Park
1
0.3 kmParks
Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve
519
0.9 kmLighthouses
Port Stephens Native Flora Garden
17
0.5 kmGardens
Splash Waterpark
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0.7 kmWater Parks
Little Beach Reserve
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0.6 kmBeaches
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0.9 kmMarinas
Tomaree Head
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778
2.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Artisan Collective Port Stephens
8
1 kmArt Galleries
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Popular mentions
4.5
174 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
55
Average
13
Poor
4
Terrible
0
Mairwen1
United Kingdom6,447 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.
Wendy D
Newcastle, Australia53 contributions
Jul. 2021
A cafe with great food and variety, friendly staff, magnificent views and native birdlife. great gift shop, beautiffuly preserved historical buildings, scenic walk.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dave w
Nowra, Australia754 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Did a night dive here. Loved the soft corals. Nice quiet pace with lots to see underwater. Really enjoyed it and would recommend as dive or snorkel spot
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia26,056 contributions
May 2021
The visit to the Native Gardens at Fly Point was not a great experience as it was essentially native bush with little or no maintenance. The water side at the point had good views but not outstanding.
Written 25 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
orinoco72
New South Wales, Australia57 contributions
Dec. 2020
Great spot for seeing local fish and sea creatures , need good swimming-ability as it can be a strong current? Easy to park nearby, lovely beach close by too
Written 5 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BernyD
Melbourne, Australia20 contributions
Jan. 2020
Amazing marine life !! Great place to snorkel or scuba dive. Could not get enough of how beautiful this place is
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda M
11 contributions
Jan. 2020
Whilst it's not the barrier reef, there are plenty of large fish, little bits of blue coral and plenty of things to enjoy. It's a safe little cove and it's easy snorkelling for all levels with very easy access.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travelapple
Sydney, Australia176 contributions
Jan. 2020
Fun activity on the early morning high tide. Bring your snorkel and fins and you will see at ton of fish. The more experienced can head out a little further for more variety.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LVS Neco
Shellharbour, Australia62 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Family
Great snorkeling spot for beginners nice and close with still plenty to see and a bit further out for the more confident. Lots of different fish species on offer and differing under water landscape. As the title says just do it it's a great experience.
Written 30 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cathie M
Newcastle, Australia2,166 contributions
Dec. 2019 • Couples
We experienced a beautiful night at the Carols overlooking Port Stephens with the most stunning sunset as our backdrop. What a great night singing and mingling for people of all ages with food vans and a visit from Santa! As we are ‘out of towners’ I would definitely recommend doing this if in the area at this time of year!
Written 15 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GiGigirl10
Ramona. CA15 contributions
What was the water temperature? We will visit here in March of next year. Wondered if it is cold. Thanks!
MargaretStreete
Sydney, Australia23 contributions
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.
mikiddo123
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
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
KenShadler
Nelson Bay, Australia112 contributions
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.
Hi I was wondering what we would need to bring, and if we need any sort of experience or gear for snorkeling.
Ken2234
Sydney, Australia241 contributions
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Fly Point
- Hotels near Fly Point:
- (0.22 km) Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
- (0.27 km) David's Place
- (0.67 km) Halifax Holiday Park
- (0.55 km) Admiral Nelson Motor Inn
- (0.53 km) Beaches Serviced Apartments
- Restaurants near Fly Point:
- (0.35 km) Little Beach Boathouse
- (0.25 km) Bay Brasserie
- (0.24 km) Shoal Bay Thai
- (0.24 km) Muchos Mexican Resturant
- (0.30 km) Wests Nelson Bay