Hunter Marine Park extends from shallow shelf waters out to the deep ocean. It includes shelf rocky reefs and canyons.

Tuna, albatross and whales feast here, benefitting from upwellings of nutrient-rich waters where ocean currents meet the canyons.

Humpback whales and grey nurse sharks also use the area as a feeding ground.

Over 50 of the fish species that live in this area are endemic; they aren’t found anywhere else.

Fishing is a significant activity in the region, and includes commercial fishing, recreational fishing, charters and game fishing tournaments.

The marine park adjoins the New South Wales Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, offshore from Port Stephens in central New South Wales.

It covers 6257 square kilometres, with depths from 15 metres to 6000 metres.

It has Habitat Protection and Special Purpose (Trawl) zones.

Explore

Hunter Marine Park and the adjacent New South Wales Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park are great places to fish and watch wildlife.

You can join a fishing charter or whale-watching tour from Port Stephens and Nelson Bay.

Find out more about the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park.