Scuba diving is an increasingly popular activity for travellers and holiday makers. Scuba diving can allow access to a stunning underwater world usually hidden from view. Australia is one of the world’s top Scuba diving sites. Its reputation as a great diving destination attracts everyone from professional divers to complete novices.
- Diving in dive Australiarichard ling / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
Some of the top dive sites in Australia are listed below.
1. Cod Hole, Lizard Island, Queensland
Lizard Island is located in the Northern area of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most famous diving areas in the world. Cod Hole is a great diving site for beginners, with its warm waters and beautiful coral. Cod Hole is a fantastic destination for wildlife, with chances to encounter creatures such as the potato rock-cod, White Tip reef sharks, moral eels, manta rays and giant clams. There are daily trips available from Lizard Island to Cod Hole.
2. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef is located in the World Heritage Ningaloo Coast area. The reef is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world and is packed full of fascinating marine life. Thousands of divers each year visit Ningaloo Reef hoping to see the famous Whale Shark, the largest fish in the world. Other species such as the Humpback whales and loggerhead turtles also live in the reef. There are many dive operators in the area and multiple day excursions are available for more remote dive spots. March to June is the best period to see the famous Whale Shark.
3. Tasmania
One of the highlights of diving in Tasmania is the cargo steamer sunk back in 1915. This shipwreck is one of Australia’s best dive wrecks, covered in bright marine growth and home to a number of different fish species. Many artefacts such as Chinese crockery can also be seen on this dive. The dive is suitable only for experienced divers due to its depth and possible currents.
Tasmania also has a number of dives suitable for those with less experience. The Tasman Peninsula boasts giant kelp forests to explore with marine creatures such as the cuttlefish, big bellied seahorse and pipe horses. Diving packages are available for beginners as well as gear hire and guides.
4. Fish Rock Cave, New South Wales
Fish rock cave is one of the largest ocean caves in the world, at 120m long. The cave is home to Spanish dancers, wobbegong sharks, trumpet fish, sea cucumbers, bull rays and even endangered nurse sharks. Exploring the cave is an adventure entering at 24 metres, with vertical chimneys, tunnels and a bubble cave. Fish rock is also an ideal destination for whale watching from April to November. Operators run daily trips to the cave which is suitable for all levels of experience.
5. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage destination with over 60 dive sites. The island has tropical waters mixed with cool currents leading to a diverse and fascinating range of wildlife. The Admiralty Islands dives sites are just a 15 minute boat trip and consist of volcanic formations home to species such as the Freckled Porcupine fish, the High Tailed Shrimp and the fluorescent anemone. Balls Pyramid is one of the most famous dive sites in the area and a must for experienced divers. The site takes around an hour to reach and divers can view schools of Ballina Angel fish and Trevally. Sightings of dolphins and Marlin are also reported.
[message_box type=”note” icon=”yes” close=”Close”]Sam is a freelance travel writer who is currently working with Cheapflights – the one-stop destination for getting the lowest fares anywhere in the world.[/message_box]
