Coral Bay, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Australia's best diving spots
With abundant corals, enchanting wildlife and haunting wrecks, there’s nothing quite like diving in Australia.
Stretching 1.8km (1.1mi) into the Indian Ocean from the coast of the Margaret River region, Busselton Jetty is a spectacular site to behold in itself, but even greater treasures lie beneath its surface. Since the jetty’s construction in 1865, submerged timber pylons have become home to a vibrant array of marine life, with over 300 species now living in the accidental artificial reef. Large underwater sculptures at the end of the jetty were strategically added to provide even more homes for wildlife and an exciting sight for divers to witness in their explorations.
About two hours by boat from the shore of balmy, tropical Townsville, you’ll find the Museum of Underwater Art. As the name suggests, this jaw-dropping ocean gallery is a treasure trove of thought-provoking sculptures hidden beneath the waves. Each piece is designed to highlight the critical need for conservation to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a tour boat and head out to explore the artists and scientists sculpted within the Coral Greenhouse, or the eerie scattering of Ocean Sentinels.
Consistently voted one of the top ten dive sites in the world, Fish Rock is a small rocky outcrop off the coast of South West Rocks in New South Wales. Dive into the 125m (400ft) long cave with South West Rocks Dive Centre for one of the most exciting dives imaginable. Feast your eyes on gropers, lionfish, moray eels and wobbegongs before spying grey nurse sharks and stingrays. The creatures majestically cruise through a sandy arena known as ‘the aquarium’, creating an unforgettable scene for divers to enjoy.
In addition to the Museum of Underwater Art, Townsville is also the perfect base for an exciting dive out to the wreck of Steam Ship Yongala. The ship, which sank during a cyclone in 1911, lies mostly intact 14-28m (46-92ft) below the surface. It was found in 1958, and has attracted a wealth of marine life in its 100 years underwater, including vivid soft corals and a population of olive sea snakes. You can book a day trip with Yongala Dive to explore the remains, or take a three-day liveaboard trip with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive.
Rowley Shoals is a group of three ring-shaped reefs located about 300km (186mi) off the coast of Western Australia, which make for an incredible exclusive dive experience. The reefs are only accessible for a short time around October, which means you’ll be one of few who have the privilege to experience them. The vibrant formations are famous for their strong tidal flows – creating exhilarating drift dives – and are home to many large species of fish. Head to Broome and charter a luxe liveaboard cruise to experience it for yourself.
With only 400 tourists allowed on Lord Howe Island at any one time, it’s almost guaranteed that you will have the dive sites all to yourself. The jagged rocky outcrop of Balls Pyramid, accessible via boat with Dive Lord Howe, is known for an abundance of marine life, including large schools of Galapagos Whaler sharks found nowhere else in Australia. Here, you can explore caves lined with rocky columns and reefs that hold deep-sea species of Ballina angelfish, usually only found at depths of over 100m (328ft).
The thrill of cage diving with great white sharks is not for the faint-hearted. Port Lincoln (a 50-minute flight from Adelaide) is the only place in Australia where you can have this adrenaline pumping experience. A day trip with Calypso Star Charters will take you from Port Lincoln to the Neptune Islands to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural environment. Climb aboard your charter and take the plunge, gazing in awe as great white sharks curiously cruise past your cage.
Stretching along the Western Australian coast near Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef is one of the most incredible diving destinations in the world. The abundant corals are peppered with life, from graceful manta rays to turtles and sharks, but the true highlight of this region is the seasonal wildlife migrations. From late March to late July, you can mix up your dives with days spent snorkelling alongside enormous whale sharks as they pass through the region, or visit from late June to October to get in the water with incredible humpback whales.
Visit the lesser-known Southern Great Barrier Reef from the coastal city of Bundaberg, and you'll find idyllic islands surrounded by extraordinary marine creatures. Heron Island has more than 20 nearby dive sites to choose from, all of which have an abundance of tropical fish and corals. Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands offer the opportunity to swim with manta rays, guitar sharks and leopard sharks. The nearby wreck of the HMAS Tobruk is also a drawcard for divers; scuttled in 2018, this enormous wreck has already attracted an incredible amount of marine life.
The Great Barrier Reef is the heart and soul of diving in Australia. The stretch of interconnected reefs and islands has a huge selection of dive regions, each special for different reasons. You can base your stay in Cairns or Port Douglas to choose from a fantastic range of trips, or head out on a liveaboard boat with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. A highlight of your expedition will be Ribbon Reef, home to some of Australia’s most phenomenal seasonal experiences, including turtle nesting season and a congregation of dwarf minke whales.