Best Australian Islands For Diving
Two things that I've decided that I'll do in 2014 is get PADI certified and visit Australia. High on my list for years, Australia has been calling to me like very few other places. I did SCUBA dive in Mexico a few years back, I assume illegally, but really enjoyed it. Perhaps Australia can be my very first dive trip. Frankly, I can't imagine better places than the ones mentioned in this guest post.
Aside from the beautiful landscapes, the rich and diverse flora and fauna that can be found in Australia, there are also a number of different activities that you can enjoy in Australia and diving is one of them. There are a number of different islands and spots ideal for diving which you should definitely look into when planning on a diving trip in Australia. Whether you are a beginner when it comes to diving or you are already an expert, you will certainly enjoy diving in Australia. Here are some of the best islands:
Fish Rock Cave dive site in New South Wales
As the name suggests, you'll be swimming through Fish Rock through a 125m cave. This dive is located about 2km off Smoky Cape at South West Rocks. After entering the cave at a depth of 24m, you'll swim through a cave. Divers say that swimming through its confined sections is very exciting. You'll also get the chance to see grey nurse sharks, which are endangered. Inquire at the dive centers for schedules on dives.
Rowley Shoals Marine Park in West Australia
There are a number of Broome-based operators who host five to seven-day aboard dive charters to the Rowley Shoals during October and November. Located 300km west of Broome, Rowley Shoals Marine Park connects pear-shaped coral that rise from very deep water and is home to 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. When you go diving there, you have the chance to see sharks, lagoons, big fish, pristine coral, humpback whales, and so much more. The water is also known for its beauty and clarity.
Neptune Islands in South Australia
Aptly named after the Greek God of the seas, this diving spot will allow you to get up close and personal with a great white shark. There are cage diving expeditions offered in the Neptune Islands in South Australia. Even if you don't have any experience in diving, you can still participate with the surface cage diving. You'll be suspended in a steel cage below the surface of the ocean. If you're a more experienced diver then you'll have the choice to swim to the ocean floor. There are a number of operators who have day trips and even expeditions that last a number of days. These expeditions travel out of Port Lincoln December to February and May up to October. These are the months where you would most likely encounter sharks.
Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania
The Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania offers a unique diving experience since you get to swim amid giant kelp forests about 20m deep. Aside from this, you'll also be able to explore the beautiful caves system at Waterfall Bay. If you want to get up close with larger sea creatures then make sure to make a trip to Cape Hauy. Here you have a chance to have encounter the New Zealand and Australian fur seals. If you're planning on a diving trip to Tasmania, make sure to schedule it between November and March since this is when the weather is ideal.
Cod Hole dive site in Queensland
Cod Hole is famous and well known for the population of potato rockcod, which have been known to grow up to 2m. Other large sea creatures that you might encounter in Cod Holemoray include clams, giant clams, humphead Maori wrasse, whitetip sharks, and in the winter, minke whales. Cod Hole is located just outside of the Great Barrier Reef, so you can really expect a rich array of sea creatures. There are a great number of operators located in Caims and Port Douglas who organize live-aboard trips going to Cod Hole. You might want to check on Lizard Island Resort who has day trips.
Flinders Reef Dive site in Queensland
Also located in Queensland, Flinders Reef Dive boasts of having more than 119 species of coral and 175 species of fish. The dive site has swim-throughs, pinnacles, and even a turtle cleaning station. At the turtle cleaning station, you'll have the chance to see surgeonfish rid parasites and algae on green turtles. You can reach Flinders Reef through day trips from Brisbane.
There are clearly a number of beautiful dive sites located all over Australia. It's important to consider the time of the year when planning an Australian dive trip, as you want to see all the incredible marine life. Make sure that you also gauge your skill as a diver and which dive site is suitable to your level of diving.
This post is provided by Veronica May from au.hotelscan.com. If you are planning to go somewhere in the world, search the lowest prices for accommodation in ~50,000 cities.
The post Best Australian Islands for Diving appeared first on Leah Travels.