Australia is a renowned scuba diving destination, with many top-rated dive sites located around its coastline. Here are ten of the best Australian scuba diving spots to explore on your next trip Down Under.
1. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
The Ningaloo Reef is located off the north-west coast of Western Australia and is one of the world’s largest fringing reefs. It stretches for 260 kilometres and features a wide variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, turtles, manta rays and sharks. The best time to dive the Ningaloo Reef is between March and July when the visibility is at its best.
2. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is a vast coral reef system that extends for 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. It’s home to an incredible variety of marine life, including more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral and 16 species of sea snake. The Great Barrier Reef can be dived all year round but the best time to visit is between June and November when the water temperature is relatively warm.
3. The Yongala Wreck, Queensland
The Yongala Wreck was a passenger steamship that sank in 1911 with the loss of 121 lives. The wreck was discovered in 1958 and has since become one of Australia’s most popular dive sites. It lies in 30 metres of water and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including barracuda, trevally, tuna and sharks. The best time to dive the Yongala Wreck is between March and November when the visibility is at its best.
4. Osprey Reef, Queensland
Osprey Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland. It’s part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is renowned for its clear water and abundance of marine life. The reef features a wide variety of corals and fish, including sharks, turtles and rays.
5. Cod Hole, Queensland
Cod Hole is located on the Great Barrier Reef and is home to a large number of giant potato cod fish. The best time to dive Cod Hole is between June and November when the water temperature is relatively warm.
6. Julian Rocks, New South Wales
Julian Rocks is a marine reserve located off the coast of Byron Bay in New South Wales. The rocks are home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, sharks and over 500 species of fish. The best time to dive Julian Rocks is between September and November when the water temperature is warm and the visibility is good.
7. Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, Victoria
Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park is located in Victoria and includes the heads of Port Phillip Bay. The park is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, penguins and weedy sea dragons. The best time to dive Port Phillip Heads is between October and April when the water temperature is relatively warm.
8. Flinders Reef, Queensland
Flinders Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland. It’s part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is known for its clear water and abundance of marine life. The reef features a wide variety of corals and fish, including sharks, turtles and rays.
9. The Rowley Shoals, Western Australia
The Rowley Shoals is a group of three coral atolls located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Western Australia. The atolls are home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, sharks and over 500 species of fish. The best time to dive the Rowley Shoals is between September and November when the water temperature is warm and the visibility is good.
10. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef is located off the coast of Western Australia and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, dugongs, whales and over 500 species of fish. The best time to dive Ningaloo Reef is between April and November when the water temperature is relatively warm.
Is it safe to scuba dive in Australia?
Yes, it is safe to scuba dive in Australia. The diving spots around Australia are some of the best in the world, and you’ll have a chance to see some amazing marine life. Just be sure to do your research and find the right dive school for you. And always remember to dive safely!
How much does scuba diving cost in Australia?
Scuba diving is a popular activity in Australia, and there are a number of great diving spots around the country. But how much does it cost to go diving in Australia?
The cost of diving in Australia varies depending on the location and the type of dive you’re doing. Open water dives typically cost around $60-$100 per person, while more advanced dives can cost up to $300 per person. There are also a number of dive schools and operators around the country, so it’s best to shop around and find the best deal.
So, is scuba diving in Australia worth the price? Absolutely! The diving spots around Australia are some of the best in the world, and you’ll have a chance to see some amazing marine life. Just be sure to do your research and find the right dive school for you.