Clovelly :)

I know, I know, Clovelly again but what can I say it’s just the best spot near me J I got these shots on two separate trips recently; and conditions were just perfect.

Before long I was tailing a dazzling Senator Wrasse. These little guys cruise around the coral on the hunt for algae, small crustations and worms. They are really energetic during the day but are usually the first in bed.

It seemed like wrasse's were out in force as it didn't take me long to find a sheltering female Crimson Banded Wrasse.

And a male out trying to find her.

The males are slightly larger growing to 40 cm, and are much more colourful.

There was plenty to look at:

Silver Sweep

Smooth Toadfish

A Three Bar Porcupinefish (named for obvious reasons).

A tiny Neon Damsel-Fish (that little blue speck)

A fair sized Red Morwong.

I also finally got some decent shots of a Roundbelly Cowfish.

I again spotted this little black guy who I am yet to figure out.

Edit: These guys are called White Ear's (Parma Microlepis)

Even the coral was looking great.

Mado were out everywhere.

And what I think might have been a school of YellowTail Scad but I am not too sure.

I tailed a baby Common Stingaree for awhile.

But the highlight was of course the Blue Gropers.

Parsley Bay

Well it’s been awhile, my point and shoot needed to be sent to the doctor for a repair. Which has been a bit of a pain as I hit plenty of new spots over the last two months. Anyways as soon as I got my little Nikon back alive and well I decided to head for Parsley Bay.

Although Parsley Bay doesn’t offer the big fish that some of Sydney’s bays have to offer, it does have a plethora of smaller animals who take advantage of the shark nets. As the bay is inside the harbour it is well protected and makes for calm water even during high seas.

To enter for a swim you can just head straight out from the beach (I recommend hugging the left hand side).

However, I usually take the ramp access near the shark nets, and head straight across the bay to explore the rocky crevasses on the other side.

These nooks are full of seaweed and kelp forests which make for some great hiding spots, so keep your eyes peeled.

Not to mention some striking coral formations.

Although I didn’t have much luck with the fish in today’s conditions, I did have some fun snapping  Moon Jellies.

 It’s worthwhile hugging the shark nets on the way back, as I often see tiny seahorses clinging to the rope. However today there was only schooling Maori Wrasse and Mado about.

Outside of the water you’re bound to spot a few Eastern Water Dragon’s

Although today wasn’t all that spectacular I know from past visits that it is well worth exploring; and I’m hoping I will be able to do another post soon which does the bay justice.

Pros of Parsley Bay

• Plenty of free parking
• Public showers and toilets plus a great little kiosk
• Beautiful natural surrounds
• On a weekend typically has an awesome family vibe
• Shark nets during the summer months
• Good in rough weather

Cons of Parsley Bay

• No big fellas
• Can be quite silty as it is inside the harbour
• Can be a lucky dip; one day you might see 4 seahorses, 2 stingarees, and an eel and the next only a few bream.