Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia – If you’re looking for the chance to see whale sharks, manta rays, humpback whales and dugongs, this is the place for you. This fringing reef supports more than 200 coral species and more than 500 fish species. It sits off the remote northern coast of Western Australia, covering close to 150 miles from north to south.
Julian Rocks, Byron Bay - This dive site is world famous for its marine life. You can see leopard sharks, manta rays, dolphins, blue whales, turtles and nudibranchs. Julian Rocks is a breeding ground for the grey nurse shark and result in hundreds visiting the site during winter months. Cold water currents meet with warm water creating a spectacular environment for tropical and cold water fish, making it one of the most abundant dive sites in the world.
S.S. Yongala, near Townsville - Over 100 years ago, the Steam Ship Yongala sank in a cyclone in the Great Barrier Reef marine Park. Being one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Australia’s history, now the S.S. Yongala lives in harmony with the marine environment. It’s located 12 nautical miles from Alva Beach and calls itself home to giant groupers and marble rays, giant trevally, along with eagle rays, bull sharks, turtles, sea snakes and more! This a ‘bucket list’ dive that can’t be missed by any serious divers!
Edithburgh Jetty, South Australia – This dive site hosts a remarkable diversity of marine life, the jetty structure is covered with soft corals and sponges that provides a sanctuary for all sorts of macro life. You’ll find a small colony of leafy sea dragons, squid and tasselled anglerfish. If you’ve got a good eye, you’ll also see tiny seahorses.
Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne - Each year, giant spider crabs migrate to the shallow waters of Port Phillip Bay, reaching their biggest mass by June. This only happens once a year, and it’s not to be missed! No one really knows where they disappear to for the rest of the year, it’s still a mystery among many marine biologists.
Shelly Beach, NSW - If you’re staying in Sydney, Shelly Beach is a fantastic shore dive featuring white sand and huge boulders forming a natural reef for plentiful marine life. You may spot a few wobbegongs and Port Jackson sharks as you cruise no deeper than 14m/45ft. There will be plenty of fish surrounding you on this dive, too.
USAT Meigs, Northern Territory – The USAT Meigs is a 131 metre/430 foot long US transport ship that sank during the first Japanese air raid in Darwin during World War II. Sitting shallow in 18 metres/60 feet of water, this wreck is popular with locals and visitors. Keep an eye open for pygmy barracudas, golden snapper and large estuarine cod.
