Scuba diving is one of Australia’s ultimate water adventures. From the endless species and vibrant coral of the Great Barrier Reef to the whale sharks of the Ningaloo Reef and even cage diving with great whites at Port Lincoln, people love nothing more than getting under the water with the vast myriad of amazing species and gorgeous reef systems that dot Australia’s coastline!
This being said, it is always recommended that you wait 24 hours between diving and jumping on a plane. Why? Because ascending to high altitudes so soon after diving can result in decompression sickness, something that comes with an array of nasty symptoms you really don’t want to experience 30,000 feet above the ground!
So, be sure to avoid that last day dive if you are going to be jumping on a plane soon after – any seasoned diver will gladly tell you the same thing…
But now that we’ve got the stern warning out of the way, what are some of the best scuba diving spots throughout the marvellous water country of Australia?
The Great Barrier Reef
Of course we were going to start with the Great Barrier Reef, and why not?! The reef is truly one of the most stunning natural wonders in the whole entire world, with thousands of amazing, otherworldly fish and marine species ducking and weaving around coral of blues, pinks, yellows, greens and golds.
There are thousands of individual reef systems to choose from, but we recommend heading out from the wonderful city of Cairns – there are plenty of awesome dive sites that can be easily accessed from town pretty much every day of the year!
Ningaloo Reef
Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, although not as expansive and famous as its eastern counterpart, is every bit as spectacular! Not only is it also inhabited with all kinds of lovely sea creatures, but it also provides the opportunity to go diving with the legendary whale shark and migrating humpback whales – sound like a good time? We think so, too…
Port Lincoln
For those of you who don’t fear the ocean’s most ferocious predator, the great white shark, diving in Port Lincoln offers a unique, hair-raising experience unlike any other.
We could only mean one thing: cage diving with the great white itself! These magnificent beasts circle and swim right up to the cage, giving divers the ultimate underwater thrill (except, of course, diving with sharks when there is no cage separating you).
It’s a truly unforgettable experience!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.