AUSTRALIA
*As the world’s smallest continent, and the world’s largest island, Australia is a country of contrasts; with 15,000 kilometers of coastline, it is no wonder the country is one of the best in the world for diving: two of the world’s largest reefs are here (Ningaloo and the Great Barrier) with long stretches of rocky coasts where rich reefs are populated with seals, great white sharks,
Sydney & Sydney Harbor
The harbour itself in Sydney offers interesting diving, with sponges, kelp and wobbygong sharks in residence. Bondi beach and Coogee beach are also good shore dive sites. Sand tiger sharks populate islands off the north coast of Sydney, and make popular trips.
Adelaide
Great white sharks are the main attraction here; long journeys out to see are required to see these magnificent creatures. Seasonally, and closer to shore, huge schools of cuttlefish congregate to mate, making this one of the best places in the world to encounter these cephalopods.
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
As the world’s longest reef, the Great Barrier is the biggest attraction for divers to Australia. Cairns is the main gateway to the reef, though many towns (like Gladstone, Townsville, and Brisbane) are also reef accessible; many islands off the coast (Heron, Great Keppel, Hamilton, etc) have amazing reefs, where testing turtles and feeding manta rays can be encountered. Liveaboards, day trips and resort diving are the three ways to dive the reef. Whale encounters (Minke, etc) can also be had here.
Darwin
Darwin is Australia’s ‘Truk Lagoon’ many World War II ships were sunk here by the Japanese, and nowadays make for amazing diving. Though the visibility is not top notch, the ability to see thick coral growth is the reward. Though a warm water destination, thick wetsuits must be worn while diving in Darwin to protect against stinging jellyfish.
Ningaloo Reef
As the world’s third longest reef, and Australia’s second largest, Ningaloo reef is a hidden, little known location for diving; between March and May, Ningaloo Reef teems with divers eager to interact with manta rays and whale sharks; at other times of the year, amazing diving can be experienced, both in Coral Bay and outside on the reef.
Perth
Warm waters in summer make Perth a popular place to dive; especially Rottnest island, famous for sponges and abundant sealife. Heading south towards Esperance and Albany, more dive sites can be found; rich kelp beds foster thick clouds of fish and seal colonies.
Tasmania
Cold water diving here reveals rich reefs, populated with fur seals. Though visibility is not excellent, kelp forests typical of South Africa and California can be seen here.
Getting there:
Numerous American, European and Asian carriers serve Australia; most transit at least once, though increasing numbers of flights are nonstop. Domestic flights in Australia are served by Qantas and Virgin Blue, a low cost carrier that serves a growing list of destinations in the country.
What to expect:
With a strengthening currency, costs in Australia are higher than Asia; though less than North America. Visas are required for all visitors, and can be easily arranged through your travel agent (free of charge). The southerly regions tend to experience four seasons, while the warmer northern regions are more tropical; heavy rain is common there year round, while the south has colder water temperatures in the winter, especially Tasmania.
