Australia truly is a one-of-a-kind country, the sixth-largest continent, and a scuba diving Mecca. The geology of the land goes back 4.8 billion years. Dinosaur fossils and prehistoric footprints are on display across Queensland, and gems such as opals and sapphires can be collected or purchased, depending on the tour.
Queensland is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Cairns serves as a primary getaway for liveaboard and day-boat dive trips. In the Coral Sea, Osprey Reef stands out as one of the most pristine dive destinations. The Great Barrier Reef and surrounding waters support around 1,500 species of fish and more than 400 species of coral. For more information on this location, read our blog posts:
Australia Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and
110,000 Reasons to Go Liveaboard.
Diving Australia, Queensland, and the Coral Sea
Cairns is located in northern Queensland, near the top of the Great Barrier Reef. It serves as the main scuba diving gateway for multiple day trips to destinations such as Osprey Reef, where
liveaboard dive trips allow divers to encounter many of the 125 shark species found in Australian waters. Along with sharks, the area is home to dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, and dugongs.
At North Horn, divers are able to view sharks being professionally fed, while pelagic species such as Maori “Napoleon” wrasse, turtles, and rays congregate around False Entrance. Lizard Island is known for both day and night dives; it is less than an hour from Cod Hole on the Ribbon Reefs, where giant potato cod are fed by professional divers. Yonge Reef, Dynamite Passage, and Big Softy are also popular dive sites.
Closer to Cairns, several other reefs are accessible, including Lord Howe Island and the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs near Port Douglas. Further south, Townsville is a gateway to Magnetic Island, the Whitsunday Islands, Heron Island, and Lady Elliot Island. Just beyond this area lies the 358-foot-long passenger ship SS Yongala, which sank in 1911. More recently, the destroyer HMS Brisbane was deliberately sunk in 2005 to create an artificial reef. On the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane is also near Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. Both day and night dives are possible at Shag Rock. Around Moreton Island, dive sites include Gotham City, Cherub’s Cave, and the Tagalooma Wrecks, each offering unique underwater experiences for divers of all levels.
Australia Attractions and Activities
Fossicking for gold and gems, or simply relaxing on the beach, are popular activities in Queensland. Visitors can also enjoy exploring aquariums such as Underwater World or experiencing wildlife up close at Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo. Many travelers spend a few days in Sydney before going to Cairns, taking time to admire the architectural masterpieces like the Sydney Opera House and the beauty of the surrounding harbor.
Australia Accommodations
Liveaboard dive trips in Australia are the only way to see Osprey Reef and many of the outer islands in the Coral Sea. Among dive liveaboards serving the Great Barrier Reef,
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions aboard the MV Spoilsport provides a unique liveaboard dive experience. This vessel accommodates up to 28 guests, with both premium and standard cabins available. Visitors on
dive trips get to experience locations like Osprey Reef, Ribbon Reefs, Lizard Island, and more. Liveaboard dive trips provide travelers with the opportunity to view and swim with a range of sea life; common pelagic creatures to view include sharks, turtles, and Minke whales.
Plan Your Dive Trips to Australia
Work with Maduro Dive experts to plan your next dive trip to Australia. Our team will take into account your preferences and diving experience to find the ideal locations for exploring the underwater world with value price packages, pre/post tours, and competitive airfare. Whether you prefer to enjoy the luxuries of an adventurous liveaboard for several days or weeks, we are here to help.
Contact our team today to learn more about our available destinations and
deals on dive trips.
