Australia is renowned as one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations, with unparalleled opportunities to explore its diverse marine environments. While the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef immediately comes to mind, the country boasts countless other dive sites that guarantee thrilling encounters. Whether you want to explore little-visited caves, drift through giant kelp forests or come face-to-face with great white sharks, there are dive experiences in Australia for everyone.
In this article, discover 7 of the best places to dive in Australia, from the tropical warmth of Cairns to the chilly waters of Tasmania. We’ll also share recommended places to stay in each of the gateway towns to help you plan your Australian dive adventure.
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Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Best place to dive in Australia for coral reef diversity
Highlights:
Dive the world’s largest coral reef system
Spot everything from big pelagics to macro critters and everything in between
Numerous and diverse dive sites to suit all levels
As the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket list destination for many divers. Stretching over 2,000 kilometres along the northeastern coast of Australia, this natural wonder is now widely regarded as one of the best places on the planet to dive, not only because of its sheer size and scale but also due to the fact that much of the reef is protected.
Numerous species of sharks, including the majestic hammerhead, the powerful tiger shark and the unique wobbegong shark, can be spotted gliding gracefully through the crystal-clear waters, while mighty humpbacks, enigmatic sperm whales and diminutive dwarf minke whale can occasionally be seen breaching the surface. Beyond sharks and whales, divers can also encounter a dazzling variety of other marine creatures, from sea snakes to coral cods and manta rays.
The Great Barrier Reef is also home to a stunning array of healthy coral formations and a wealth of unusual and captivating macro creatures. With excellent visibility and a diverse range of dive sites suitable for divers of all skill levels, the Great Barrier Reef offers an unparalleled underwater adventures. While Cairns is the main gateway for divers, there are also exceptional scuba experiences around Lady Musgrave, Lady Elliot and Heron Island.
Practical info:
When to dive the Great Barrier Reef: Year-round (April to October is the dry season)
Water temperature: 22 to 29°C (71 to 84°F)
Getting there: Fly to Cairns Airport
Where to stay in Cairns to dive the Great Barrier Reef
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Best places to dive in Australia
Bicheno, Tasmania
Best place to dive in Australia for kelp forests and seals
Highlights:
Witness underwater granite boulders and tunnels
Explore healthy kelp forests that provide habitat for abundant marine life
Dive the 38-metre wall known as the “Magic Garden”
Perched on the picturesque east coast of Tasmania lies the charming town of Bicheno, a true gem for adventurous divers and marine enthusiasts. The town's primary allure stems from its unparalleled proximity to one of the Apple Isle’s most famous diving destinations - the Governor Island Marine Reserve.
Minutes from the boat ramp, divers can effortlessly access this underwater wonderland of granite boulder systems, cavernous tunnels and emerald kelp forests. Throughout the year, the sheltered coves and inlets of the reserve provide optimal diving conditions, shielding you from the open ocean's more turbulent elements.
The crown jewel of this marine paradise is the aptly named "Magic Garden" - a 38-metre underwater wall blanketed in a kaleidoscope of rainbow coral. Here, lucky divers may catch glimpses of seals gliding effortlessly through the enormous interior tunnels, creating an almost otherworldly experience. Bicheno's unbeatable location, combined with the sheer abundance of marine life and geological wonders, cement its status as one of the best places to dive in Australia.
Practical info:
When to dive Bicheno: Year-round
Water temperature: 12 to 16 °C (53 to 60°F)
Getting there: Fly to Launceston Airport and make the two-hour drive to Bicheno
Where to stay in Bicheno to dive Governor Island Marine Reserve
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Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Best place to dive in Australia for whale sharks
Highlights:
Diving alongside whale sharks, humpbacks, turtles and dolphins
Encounter incredible rainbow coral formations
Explore the world’s second-largest coral reef
Situated off the west coast of Australia, Ningaloo Reef is a true natural marvel and the second-largest coral reef in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination is a must-visit for any nature lover or adventure seeker, offering a wealth of breathtaking wonders to discover both above and below the water’s surface.
The Ningaloo Marine Park, which encompasses the reef, captivates with its pristine coral formations, diverse marine life and unparalleled opportunities for up-close encounters with some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. The region is renowned not only for its stunning underwater landscapes but also as a prime location for swimming with the gentle giants of the sea - awe-inspiring whale sharks.
The optimal time to catch a glimpse of these magnificent beasts is between March and August when they congregate in the nutrient-rich waters to feed. To encounter the “Big 3” – whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales - coincide your visit with the months of July and August. In addition, visitors to Ningaloo Reef can spot a dazzling array of other marine life while enjoying the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear visibility.
Practical info:
When to dive Ningaloo Reef: Year-round but March to August is best for spotting whale sharks
Water temperature: °C (°F)
Getting there: Fly to Learmonth Airport
Where to stay in Coral Bay and Exmouth to dive Ningaloo Reef
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Best places to dive in Australia
Fish Rock Cave, New South Wales
Best place to dive in Australia for cave diving
Highlights:
Experience one of the world’s most incredible cave dive sites
Encounter a huge colony of friendly grey nurse sharks
Witness a plethora of marine life, including wobbegongs, moray eels and turtles
Hidden amidst the turbulent waters off the mid-north coast of New South Wales lies a small, rocky island that has long been heralded as one of the best dive sites in Australia. Known as Fish Rock, this unassuming landmass is home to a truly remarkable natural wonder - the only genuine ocean cave in the country.
Descending beneath the waves, daring adventurers are treated to an unforgettable journey through a 125-metre underwater tunnel that opens up into the mesmerising expanse of Fish Rock Cave. In this fascinating world, schools of colourful fish dart to and fro, nurse sharks drift peacefully in the current and curious sea turtles poke their heads out to observe divers.
The cave itself is adorned with stunning pink coral formations, adding to the fantastical ambiance. Fish Rock Cave is particularly renowned for its robust population of protected, yet non-threatening, grey nurse sharks, which divers can observe with awe. With two distinct entrances, one shallow and spacious, the other deeper and more enclosed, Fish Rock Cave offers an unparalleled diving experience for those with a thirst for exploration.
Practical info
When to dive Fish Rock Cave: Year-round
Water temperature: 18 to 26 °C (64 to 78°F)
Getting there: Fly to Port Macquarie or make the five-hour drive from Sydney
Where to stay in South West Rocks to dive Fish Rock Cave
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Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Best place to dive in Australia for uncrowded sites
Highlights:
Secluded dive sites with a limited number of visitors
Encounter rare marine life such as Spanish dancers and Galapagos whales
Witness the world’s tallest volcanic stack
Situated just a few hours by air from Sydney in the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island is home to the world's most southerly coral reef system. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed marine ecosystem is influenced by the convergence of five major ocean currents, resulting in an astounding array of over 90 coral species and more than 500 different fish. With dozens of dive sites to explore, the island offers endless opportunities for scuba enthusiasts to immerse themselves in this underwater wonderland.
Lord Howe Island offers a truly unique and secluded experience for visitors, with the island strictly limiting the number of people at any given time to just 400. This carefully curated cap on tourism ensures that the island maintains a wonderfully tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, both on the land and beneath the water’s surface.
The crystal-clear waters that surround Lord Howe Island provide an extraordinary opportunity for travellers to encounter a diverse array of marine life, as well as awe-inspiring geological features such as sea caves, underwater trenches and towering rock formations. Lucky visitors may even spot the elusive and beautifully-coloured florid Spanish dancer sea slug or the harmless but impressive Galapagos whale shark.
Practical info
Best time to dive Lord Howe Island: September to May
Water temperature: 21° to 26°C (70° to 79°F)
Getting there: Fly from Sydney or Brisbane
Best places to stay on Lord Howe Island to dive
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Best places to dive in Australia
Port Lincoln, South Australia
Best place to cage dive with great white sharks in Australia
Highlights:
Up-close encounters with great white sharks
Watch Australian sea lions playing on the rocks
Spot white breasted sea eagles hunting in the skies above
Scattered just off the coast of Port Lincoln are the Neptune Islands, which offer a truly unique and thrilling diving experience for the adventurous at heart. These remote islands in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf are home to a diverse array of marine life, including the awe-inspiring great white shark.
While it's generally advised to avoid diving in waters known to be frequented by these apex predators, for those seeking an up-close encounter with one of the ocean's most feared creatures, the town of Port Lincoln is the premier destination. Here, two certified cage diving operators provide the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with great whites in their natural habitat, with only a thin metal barrier separating you from these powerful hunters.
It takes a healthy dose of courage and a deep sense of wonder to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but the rewards are immense - the chance to observe these magnificent animals in their element, to study their every movement and behaviour and to develop a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of the underwater world.
Practical info
Best time to dive in Port Lincoln: Year-round
Water temperature: 14 to 22°C (57 to 71°F)
Getting there: Fly to Port Lincoln Airport
Best places to stay in Port Lincoln to cage dive with sharks
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Best places to dive in Australia
Yongala Wreck, Townsville, Queensland
Best place for wreck diving in Australia
Highlights:
Explore one of the best wreck sites in the world
Dive alongside minke and humpback whales
A challenging deep dive destination
Located just off the coast of Townsville, the Yongala wreck is widely regarded as one of the most captivating wreck dives in the world. Sinking in 1911 after a devastating cyclone, the Yongala now rests at a depth of 33 metres (108 feet), its hulking steel frame and superstructure having become a thriving artificial reef over the past century.
As you descend into the warm waters of the Coral Sea, you’re greeted by a dazzling underwater tableau. Gorgonian sea fans sway gently in the current while giant groupers patrol the wreck, alongside graceful eagle rays and manta rays that glide effortlessly through the water. Schools of barracuda and trevally congregate in the wreck's nooks and crannies, while curious sea turtles and venomous sea snakes emerge from their hiding places.
If the timing is right, lucky divers may even catch a glimpse of the majestic minke or humpback whales that visit the area during the summer months. With strong currents and a challenging depth, the Yongala is not for the faint of heart. You must have a least an Open Water certification with deep diving training.
Practical info
Best time to dive in Townsville: Year-round with the best visibility during the winter months
Water temperature: 24° to 29°C (75° to 84°F)
Getting there: Fly to Townsville Airport
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