By Jaz Hook
A ripper of a start to the season with unprecedented temperatures means long beach days and, you guessed it, snorkelling.
Here are the top five snorkel spots you must try this Spring:
No.1: Shelly Beach
Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is nestled between the main beach and Shelly Beach in the Northern Beaches suburb of Manly. If you wish to swim with turtles and huge cuttlefish, this is the spot for you. Filled with an array of marine life covering 20 hectares, it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. Just remember this is a reserve and you cannot take anything from the ocean with you. You can look, but you can’t touch.
No.2: Gordons Bay
One of Sydney’s gems is tucked away along the Bondi to Coogee Walk. In Gordons Bay, you will find an underwater trail with a series of concrete-filled drums linked by chains. Although visibility isn’t always 100 per cent, expect to see blue gropers, tons of fish, and even wobbegong sharks. This place is also an aquatic reserve, so remember not to take any shells.
No.3: Clovelly
Iconic to Sydney and home to the blue groper nicknamed “Bluey”, Clovelly is also an aquatic reserve. Spearfishing is prohibited, as is taking anything with you. If you’re not fond of sand don’t worry, Clovelly has cement on either side so you can lay out and plunge straight into the ocean.
No.4: Little Bay
A local favourite, Little Bay in the Eastern Suburbs is a fantastic place for snorkelling and is popular for spearfishing. I have personally met an octopus or two. With calm, crystal blue waters it’s the perfect place to play mermaids.
No.5: Oak Park
A popular snorkel/scuba diving site, Oak Park in the shire is home to turtles, seahorses, blue gropers, and cuttlefish. You can start in the ocean pool before getting in the sea if you’re a little green at snorkelling, although this location might have you getting your diving licence.
Featured image: Gordons Bay. Photo: Martin 7d2/CC/flickr
