419 Dive Log Australasia AUGUST 2026

sculptural rocky nooks, blue gropers, wrasse, catfish, Port Jackson sharks, rays and turtles. Wallis Lake: At high tide, the water is at its clearest, and you’re likely to see a wider array of fish. Bream, flathead and rays, along with dense schools of small fish have swum by on my forays into the lake. There’s several places along Little Street (Forster) where you can park and head straight into the silky water, some spots spill onto carpets of seagrass popular with small fish. A special joy here is to snorkel alongside cormorants. Alternatively, it’s a short paddle (if you don’t have your own paddle board, several boat sheds along Little Street rent out paddle boards, kayaks and tinnies)- to the islands splashed west of the sea channel. Outside of holiday season, you can claim a small beach all to yourself on these islands. Pacific Palms: Named for the proliferation of towering, endearingly tropical cabbage tree palms, these beaches are remarkable for their shockingly bright turquoise water and dramatic headlands.

This scenic haven lies about a 20 minute drive south of Forster, though it’s worth detouring along the road signalling the ‘Sailing Club’ to soak up quite splendid views, especially if a sunset is approaching. North-facing and sheltered, Elizabeth Beach and the delightfully secluded Shelly Beach (reached by a palm- shaded path) are the spots to head with snorkel and fins. I’ve heard people rave about snorkelling from the southern end of Elizabeth Beach all the way to Shelly Beach, however my favourite so far is to slide in at the southern end of Shelly Beach. On several occasions here, I’ve been surrounded by hundreds of rays. Other times, I’ve snorkelled alongside dolphins. The constant here however is the thriving kelp beds, colourful sponges and variety of fish. Seal Rocks: Autumn and winter – when it’s not so busy with Instagram inspired fanfare - are ideal times to take in this dreamy cluster of bright, white beaches. In calm conditions, I love to launch myself at the rocky fingers at the southern

Winter diving with Wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks Mike Scotland

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Dive Log Australasia #419 August ’26

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