Newcastle, Nelson Bay & Port Stephens · New South Wales
Broughton Island
Offshore island diving from Port Stephens, with grey nurse sharks at Looking Glass.
Broughton Island lies offshore from Port Stephens and offers the region's best boat diving, with clearer water than the inshore shore sites.
Looking Glass, a narrow gutter cutting through the island, is a recognised grey nurse shark aggregation site and the region's most sought-after dive.
Conditions are more exposed than Nelson Bay's sheltered sites and trips are weather-dependent.
Max depth
30 m
typically 18 m
Access
boat
Current
variable
Water temp
16–24°C
Level
advanced
| Region | Newcastle, Nelson Bay & Port Stephens |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | island, reef |
| Minimum depth | 6 m |
| Typical depth | 18 m |
| Maximum depth | 30 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Commonly 10–25 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 16–24°C |
| Experience level | intermediate, advanced |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- grey nurse sharks
- wobbegongs
- blue gropers
- rays
- schooling kingfish
- sponge gardens
- seals occasionally
Access
- Boat access from Port Stephens or Nelson Bay.
- Exposed offshore location.
- Marine park zoning applies.
Hazards
- current through the gutters
- surge
- depth
- swell exposure
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other dive businesses in the area
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Broughton Island?
Depths range from around 6 metres to roughly 30 metres, with a typical profile around 18 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Broughton Island suitable for beginners?
It is better approached with experience beyond entry level. Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.
How do you get to Broughton Island?
Access is boat based. Boat access from Port Stephens or Nelson Bay.
Is there current at Broughton Island?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Broughton Island?
Commonly reported marine life includes grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, blue gropers, rays, schooling kingfish, sponge gardens. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Broughton Island?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 10–25 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Broughton Island?
Broughton Island is in the Newcastle, Nelson Bay & Port Stephens region of New South Wales.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.