Meet the site
Barry's Bay sits north of Port Macquarie township and offers a bay-format dive area built around multiple gutters rather than a single defined feature, giving Scuba Haven the flexibility to vary the exact route and depth on any given trip depending on conditions and diver interest. The site's marine life list leans toward the area's more charismatic residents: turtles are a regular sighting, octopus and cuttlefish are found with reasonable reliability among the gutters, and wobbegong sharks rest on the sand and rock in typical mid-north-coast fashion. Grey nurse sharks are also recorded here at times, reflecting the general movement of the species along this stretch of coast between the more famous aggregation sites further north and south. The bay's multiple-gutter structure means a group can spend a full tank exploring just a portion of the site, and repeat visits can reasonably be expected to cover different ground and find different marine life each time — a similar quality to the nearby Wall site, though Barry's Bay is generally regarded as a slightly easier, more approachable dive given its moderate depth range. It functions as a solid, varied option in Port Macquarie's northern waters, complementing the more southerly sites around Tacking Point and Shelly Beach, and gives Scuba Haven a reason to alternate trip destinations depending on wind direction and client preference across a multi-day Port Macquarie diving stay. Ask Scuba Haven which gutters have been most productive recently, since the site's spread-out layout means recent local knowledge matters more here than at a single-feature dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Barry's Bay (Port Macquarie) is recorded as Reef in Port Macquarie & Camden Haven. The listed access is boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Barry's Bay (Port Macquarie) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Barry's Bay (Port Macquarie) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Turtles, octopus, cuttlefish, wobbegong sharks, grey nurse sharks (occasional)
Location
A bay-format dive area north of Port Macquarie with multiple gutters and varied dive options within the one site, popular for turtles, octopus and wobbegongs.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
mudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.