Learn to Dive in Australia
Australia ‘s Highlights
Home to the largest reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, divers from all around the world flock to Australia to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Great Barrier Reef is home to 3,000 individual reefs off the mainland and across 900 individual islands stretching over 2,300 kilometers. It has over 400 types of soft and hard coral, and is home to about 10% of the world’s fish species.
Throughout Australia, there are wonderful diving locations around Byron Bay, Sydney, Cook Islands and so many more. With reefs, walls, wrecks, caves, caverns, cage diving and night diving, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Dive sites can reach depths of 100+ meters and the bottom structure is made up mostly of hard and soft coral.
When is the best time to go diving in Australia?
In some places in Australia, the climate is good year-round to offer sublime diving conditions. For the best conditions, visit late August to December which is when the water is warm, conditions are best, the sea is calmest and visibility is at its highest.
For a chance to see the Minke whale, the season runs from June to August. Humpback whales usually visit between August and October. In South Australia, you have the chance to dive with great white sharks from May to February.
Water Temperature: The temperature changes depending on where you are but at the Great Barrier Reef, the temperature is 21°C to 24°C in winter and 30°C in summer (December to February).
Currents: Depending on the dive site and weather conditions, there can be a mild to strong current.
Visibility: In Australia, visibility is usually between 15 and 20 meters and in some areas can rise to 40 meters.
Australia’s best dive sites
Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef is world-famous as the largest fringing reef system at a whopping 260 kilometers long stretching the western coast of Australia. Ningaloo is a famous tourist attraction as whale sharks are known to visit these waters. The chance of spotting whale sharks is not the only draw. It’s a true ecosystem with over 500 species of fish, 600 species of mollusks, 300 species of hard and soft coral, not to mention everything else! With white sand, the Ningaloo Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When you’re not in the water, spend the time soaking up the sun under a palm tree with a coconut in hand.
Fish Rock Cave
Fish Rock Cave is one of Australia’s top 10 dive sites. The dive starts at 24 meters depth, at the Southeastern side there is a cave entrance. The cave runs for about 15 meters before it rises vertically into a chimney, torches are needed to be able to see. The cave then opens up to a large chamber where grey nurse sharks often swim past. You can spot a variety of nudibranchs and occasionally Spanish dancers. There are two bubble caves where divers are able to surface, remove their masks and regulators and speak. The cave then exits to a part appropriately labeled the aquarium, where tropical and cold-water fish meet. There is a strong current upon exiting the cave with the chance of spotting interesting marine life.
Challenger Bay
Challenger Bay is a memorable dive with a sandy bottom and beautiful coral gardens. With dozens of cleaning stations, divers will watch fish waiting in line to be cleaned. It’s possible to spot trevally, barracuda, snappers and humphead parrotfish. Home to reef sharks, stingrays, cuttlefish, eels, nudibranchs and Maori wrasse, the dives are always filled with interesting things to see.
About the country
Australia is a commonwealth country comprising mainland Australia, the island of Tasmania and other smaller islands. The country has many natural and cultural attractions from the Great Barrier Reef, to Uluru and the Sydney Opera House. With some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines in this world, Australia is a country with everything. You can ski, surf, hike, visit national parks, secluded beaches, deserts, and forests all within one country.
Recreational Courses in Australia
Dive Centers in Australia
Getting to Australia
There are major international airports all over Australia but Melbourne and Sydney have the most international connections. You can travel to either and catch a domestic flight to any other major city in the country. Australia is a huge country and travel can be time consuming. Plan your itinerary before you arrive and understand how long it will take to travel between destinations.
Other important information
- Capital: Canberra
- Official Language: English
- Demonyms: Australian, Aussie
- Currency: Australian Dollar AUD
- Calling code: +61
- Driving Side: Left
- Population: Close to 26 million
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: Yoke/INT
