Whether you’re the type to throw on a tank and go deep, or prefer pottering along the surface with a snorkel, Australia is undeniably gracious when it comes to underwater life and color. Here are the best places to dive in and get wet down under.
1. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places on Earth to explore diving and snorkeling.
While climate change has stressed the ecosystem, this underwater beauty is resilient, and extensive rehabilitation programs are helping ensure the reef’s health—and its stunning beauty—is maintained. Given the reef covers a whopping 2300km, there are plenty of sites to glide through a kaleidoscope of color and seek out Nemo.
Off the coast of Port Douglas, visit Low Isles—a four-acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef—or head further south down the Queensland coast to the Whitsundays, where 74 white-sand islands are surrounded by brilliant turquoise water.
Alternatively, head to Green Island (off Cairns) to find a rainforest in the middle of the reef or Fitzroy Island, where you can swim alongside majestic green sea turtles. Fitzroy also features a turtle rehabilitation center, where you can see turtles recovering from injury or illness up close and learn about their care and release.
Visitors are in for a unique experience if they time their visit to coincide with a coral-spawning event in late spring or early summer. During this time, it’s like diving inside a giant snow globe as the coral releases clouds of fertilization eager to thrive.
2. Julian Rocks, New South Wales
Julian Rocks is the place for shark enthusiasts. While the idea of encountering these toothy creatures may unsettle some, those knowledgeable about the site understand that the winter-loving grey nurse sharks and summer-loving leopard sharks are often timid, making for enjoyable viewing experiences. Moreover, the convergence of warm and cool waters contributes to some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in Australia.
Novice divers and snorkelers can explore the sheltered Nursery, home to a colorful mix of fish and various turtle species, while experienced divers can venture to the Cod Hole—an underwater cave that provides a haven for the endangered grey nurse sharks, along with wobbegongs and moray eels. Rays are a common sight all year round.
Julian Rocks is situated just off the coast of Byron Bay, so once you hang up your fins, enjoy a cocktail with a side of live music in one of Australia’s coolest beach towns.
3. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
With a length of 260kms, Ningaloo Marine Park forms Australia’s second-largest coral reef and is home to the world’s largest fringing reef. Consequently, Ningaloo’s popularity as a snorkeling and diving spot is well-established, along with its reputation for being one of the best locations globally to swim alongside whale sharks—the largest fish in the sea. These gentle giants congregate in record numbers off the coast of Exmouth from April to July. This seasonal migration aligns with the humpback whale migration along the coast of Western Australia from July to October, when visitors can also opt to swim with these colossal mammals. Strict regulations ensure the protection of the whales, controlling the number of guests allowed in the water simultaneously and maintaining a safe distance between swimmers and marine life.
There is a high probability of spotting dolphins, rays, and dugongs in these waters, along with up to 500 species of fish.
4. Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
While Ningaloo’s marine life highlight is the whale, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula it’s the giant cuttlefish. Between May and August, thousands of these alien-like creatures migrate to the rocky coast of Whyalla to breed, and divers and snorkelers can witness this spectacular display. From the water, you can observe these peculiar creatures changing their color, shape, and texture while engaging in unique mating rituals.
On the less friendly side of marine life, Eyre Peninsula’s intimidating great whites allow for cage diving experiences, providing an adrenaline rush for adventure seekers.
Additionally, marine life here is celebrated not only in the ocean but also in the culinary scene. Use your trip to Whyalla as a starting point for South Australia’s seafood frontier road trip through to Ceduna, where you can indulge in delightful oysters, tuna, prawns, and rock lobsters.
5. Bicheno, Tasmania
Tasmania boasts some of Australia’s best deep-water dive sites, particularly around Bicheno, located north of the scenic Freycinet National Park. This small fishing town features enticing dive sites, including Paradise Reef and Magic Garden, the latter being a 38-metre wall teeming with marine life. The reserve also includes the Golden Bommies, a favorite among scuba divers seeking a challenge. The site features impressive coral columns, adorned with vibrant sea whips and hydroids. In these waters, butterfly perch are common, while Tasmania’s elusive spotted handfish make for a special sighting.
This article originally published in March 2020, has been updated as of October 2020.
