With 71% of the planet covered by ocean, we think it’s fair to say that there are more incredible diving spots around the world than you can shake a snorkel at. However, one place known more than most for it’s beautiful, abundant coastline is Australia. From its colourful coral reefs to the north, to the giant kelp forests in the south, and its multitude of shipwrecks scattered throughout the sea off the cosmopolitan coastal capital of Adelaide, Australia has it all when it comes to scuba diving. So, get ready to descend into another world down under with these; our 5 IDEAL place to scuba dive in Australia.
OSPREY REEF
Most non-divers associate diving in Australia with the Great Barrier reef, and rightly so. Exploring the world’s largest single structure comprised of living organisms is certainly the draw for scuba diving enthusiasts. There’s no shortage of shark action either for those seeking a thrill. Of course, with it being such a large body, you’ll need to narrow down your attentions. Located in the coral sea off the North Queensland coast, Osprey reef is considered to be arguably the best diving spot in the world. It includes the famous shark feed dive at North Horn so apart from your diving equipment, you’d best bring your bravery.
NEPTUNE ISLAND
Crikey is that a great white shark I see? When you’re diving off South Australia’s Neptune Islands, the answer is probably yes. If you want to take part in surface cage diving, where you’re suspended in a steel cage just below the surface of the ocean and sharks are attracted by rolicking AC/DC playing over the underwater speakers, then you’ll be pleased to hear you don’t need any previous experience. However, if you’re a qualified diver, you have the option of travelling down to the depths of the ocean’s floor and taking in some truly unique creatures of the deep. Be sure to bring an underwater propulsion device to make that deep, deep diving a little easier.
SS YONGALA WRECK
It’s not only about shoals, sharks and sealife; diving around Australia is also about checking out some of the most fascinating shipwrecks on the planet. The SS Yongala wreck is just one of these. Close to Townsville in Queensland, it’s a bucket list dive, and that’s for sure. In fact, it’s considered to be one of the best wreck dives in the world. No survivors were left when a cyclone hit the luxury passenger ship back in 1911, but plenty of wreckage remains.
FISH ROCK
Fish Rock Cave offers just what it says on the tin; a 124 metre rock formation – full of fish – which incidentally is the only true ocean cave in Australia. This dive is located about 2 kilometres off Smokey at South West Rocks, and anyone who has dived here will tell you it’s an experience like no other. As you enter the mouth of the cave, you’re met by the silhouettes of hundreds of fish surrounding it, making a truly spectacular sight even for the most experienced of divers. What’s more, the critically endangered grey nurse shark gather here in their hundreds to feed, mate and give birth. Catch a glimpse of one before it’s too late.
JULIAN ROCKS
Situated about 2.5km from Cape Byron, Julian Rocks is a marine reserve that’s home to over 1000 marine species. Indeed, sea turtles, humpback whales, sharks and mantas, to name but a few, all like to call this nature reserve home. What makes this truly unique is that at Julian Rocks you’ll not only be swimming alongside shoals of fish and other gilled wonders, but you’ll also be rubbing shoulders with three different species of sea turtle. Wowzers!