Australia offers exceptional scuba diving because of its immense size and diverse marine environments, which provide a huge range of underwater experiences, from tropical reefs to temperate kelp forests. Notable regions include the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the stunning Ningaloo Reef, and the exhilarating Great White shark diving of South Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef (tropical)
As the world's largest coral reef system, the
Great Barrier Reef
stretches along Australia's northeast coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Vast size and diversity: The reef encompasses thousands of individual reefs and islands, with over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and six of the world's seven marine turtle species.
- Accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas: These cities are popular departure points for accessing the reef, which is suitable for divers of all levels.
- Encounters with big marine life: Divers can see giant potato cod, manta rays, reef sharks, and, seasonally, minke and humpback whales.
Ningaloo Reef (western)
Located off the coast of Western Australia,
Ningaloo Reef
is another world heritage site and is the country's only fringing reef, making it more easily accessible from shore.
- Swim with whale sharks: From March to August, Ningaloo is one of the most reliable places in the world to swim with migrating whale sharks.
- Other pelagic encounters: It is also known for sightings of humpback whales, manta rays, and dolphins.
- Pristine conditions: As a less-crowded alternative to the Great Barrier Reef, its clear, warm waters offer spectacular visibility.
South Australia (temperate)
The cooler, nutrient-rich waters of South Australia offer unique and thrilling diving experiences.
- Great white shark cage diving: Port Lincoln is the only place in Australia where you can cage dive with great white sharks.
- Rare marine species: Divers can search for the elusive leafy sea dragon and witness the annual aggregation of giant cuttlefish near Whyalla.
- Australian sea lions: It is possible to dive with the playful and endangered Australian sea lion in locations like
Hopkins Island
New South Wales (mixed)
With a wide variety of dive sites, the coast of New South Wales offers a blend of temperate and tropical species.
- : This remote UNESCO site features a mix of tropical and temperate marine species with pristine reef systems.
: Located near South West Rocks, this is Australia's only true ocean cave dive and a popular spot for seeing grey nurse sharks.
Lord Howe Island
Victoria (temperate)
Victoria's cooler waters are known for their unique pier and shipwreck dives.
- Weedy sea dragons: Unique macro life, including the fascinating weedy sea dragon, can be found among kelp forests and piers.
- Historical wrecks: Shipwrecks in Port Phillip Bay are popular with tech divers.
The Coral Sea (remote and adventurous)
For experienced divers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, liveaboards travel to the remote atolls of the
Coral Sea
, north of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Shark encounters: Remote dive sites like
Osprey Reef
- offer encounters with a high density of shark species, including grey, silvertip, and hammerhead sharks.
- Pristine reefs: The largely untouched reefs boast phenomenal visibility and abundant marine life.
