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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Australia
Ready to check out the best sites in Australia for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 100 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best ocean activities in Australia to suit your needs.
#1 - The Seals
Australia, NSW, Montague Island
beginner
(7)
The most popular dive site at Montague Island. Accessible all year round as it is well protected from prevailing wind and sea conditions. Interact with the friendly seals as they twist and turn to the delight of divers of all skill levels. Don't dive here without a camera. Kelp beds cover large rocky areas with a full range of fish species available.
Access via private boat or Local Charter Boats
#2 - Tangalooma Wrecks
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Moreton Island
beginner
(4)
Tangalooma Wrecks is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Moreton Island which is accessible from shore based on 4 ratings.
#3 - Exmouth Navy Pier
Australia, Western Australia, Pacific
Unrated
(4)
From the Exmouth Visitor's Center web site (link below) :
THE NAVY PIER RE-OPENS FOR DIVING
News Date: 1/07/2007
Closed since the 31st July 2006, the Navy Pier will be re opening for diving in July 2007. After a lengthy tender process, the Navy Pier, which is one of Australia's BEST TEN SHORE DIVES, will re open for certified divers. The successful tender was won by Ningaloo Reef Dreaming. To take a dive on this magnificent site please contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre for more information.
A dive on the pier, as described by Ningaloo Reef Dreaming:
After we pick up all the customers we will drive to our warehouse and meet at the briefing room. Here we will meet and greet and have coffee and tea and cookies! Yes, paperwork needs to be done, and then the Exmouth Navy Pier briefing. Once everyone knows what to do, with who and where and also what not to do and everything is clear, it is time to set up dive gear, including a safety sausage and compass for every diver. Time to drive to the Naval commander office for the key and correct passes, we are nearly there where we want to be, the water! A short site briefing, wetsuits on, kit up, buddy checks done and there we go! Unbelievable! The first thing we see is a large school of Barracuda, to the other side we see Batfish, large Cods and also a large school of Giant Trevally is swimming by. Well that is a start! We keep descending following one of the pylons of the Pier and we are surprised by all the coral we see, just fantastic. Coral trout, Snapper, Cods, Lion fish, you name it, we have seen them all. Then suddenly coming from behind one of the pylons appears a Queensland Groper, bigger than I am! Resting on a piece of the Pier structure is a Wobbegong Shark, just under the main Pier structure. We are heading South and challenge our buoyancy in between the pylons and Pier structure and on our way we welcome more coral with lots of Nudi Branches in all different colours, waving to us, fantastic macro opportunities-- this is a photographer's dream! White tip reef Sharks, Frog fish(es), and the Tawny Nurse Shark! There, an octopus is changing its colour and if we look up, all we can see are schooling fish. Time to go up and whilst we stay on the 5 meter mark we are surrounded by Trevally until we reach the surface. This was just unbelievable, now we know why the Exmouth navy Pier is rated amongst the top 10 shore dive sites in the world!!!! Warm Regards, Jeroen de Vries, Ningaloo Reef Dreaming (see link below) The NorthWest Cape covers a huge area with the Ningaloo reef stretching 260 km from slightly north of Exmouth to Amherst Point, south of Coral Bay. Exmouth is a small town of approximately 2500 people and is situated 1270 km north of Perth.
THE NAVY PIER RE-OPENS FOR DIVING
News Date: 1/07/2007
Closed since the 31st July 2006, the Navy Pier will be re opening for diving in July 2007. After a lengthy tender process, the Navy Pier, which is one of Australia's BEST TEN SHORE DIVES, will re open for certified divers. The successful tender was won by Ningaloo Reef Dreaming. To take a dive on this magnificent site please contact the Exmouth Visitor Centre for more information.
A dive on the pier, as described by Ningaloo Reef Dreaming:
After we pick up all the customers we will drive to our warehouse and meet at the briefing room. Here we will meet and greet and have coffee and tea and cookies! Yes, paperwork needs to be done, and then the Exmouth Navy Pier briefing. Once everyone knows what to do, with who and where and also what not to do and everything is clear, it is time to set up dive gear, including a safety sausage and compass for every diver. Time to drive to the Naval commander office for the key and correct passes, we are nearly there where we want to be, the water! A short site briefing, wetsuits on, kit up, buddy checks done and there we go! Unbelievable! The first thing we see is a large school of Barracuda, to the other side we see Batfish, large Cods and also a large school of Giant Trevally is swimming by. Well that is a start! We keep descending following one of the pylons of the Pier and we are surprised by all the coral we see, just fantastic. Coral trout, Snapper, Cods, Lion fish, you name it, we have seen them all. Then suddenly coming from behind one of the pylons appears a Queensland Groper, bigger than I am! Resting on a piece of the Pier structure is a Wobbegong Shark, just under the main Pier structure. We are heading South and challenge our buoyancy in between the pylons and Pier structure and on our way we welcome more coral with lots of Nudi Branches in all different colours, waving to us, fantastic macro opportunities-- this is a photographer's dream! White tip reef Sharks, Frog fish(es), and the Tawny Nurse Shark! There, an octopus is changing its colour and if we look up, all we can see are schooling fish. Time to go up and whilst we stay on the 5 meter mark we are surrounded by Trevally until we reach the surface. This was just unbelievable, now we know why the Exmouth navy Pier is rated amongst the top 10 shore dive sites in the world!!!! Warm Regards, Jeroen de Vries, Ningaloo Reef Dreaming (see link below) The NorthWest Cape covers a huge area with the Ningaloo reef stretching 260 km from slightly north of Exmouth to Amherst Point, south of Coral Bay. Exmouth is a small town of approximately 2500 people and is situated 1270 km north of Perth.
#4 - Bushrangers Bay
Australia, NSW, Shellharbour
beginner
(2)
Short walk down some stairs from the car park. Roughly 10 meters of rocky beach to the water. Sandy bottom once in a few meters
#5 - Point Cartwright
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Sunshine Coast
beginner
(1)
Poor condictions but great for beginers of with the kids snorkling. Only if there is no surf!!
Drive up to Kawana pocket then just go anywhere off the rocks.
#6 - Shelly Beach
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(1)
White sand and a natural reef of boulders and rocks. Sea dragons, dusky whalers, small rays... but not much fixed life.
Parking available in Council car park at end of Bower St - parking $4+ or free if you park on the residential streets further away. Short walk down to sandy beach - park benches and open space available near entry.
#7 - Wall
Australia, NSW, Port Macquire
beginner
(1)
This dive has spectacular growth on the rock, and is one of our best dive sites. Every time you go there, you will see something different. Pelagic fish are a certainty, along with the usual nudibanchs, and other marine life. If dived correctly you should get a good bottom time.
#8 - Barolin Rocks at Innes Park
Australia, Queensland, Pacific
Unrated
(1)
Barolin Rocks at Innes Park is a 5.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Australia, Queensland, Pacific which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.
#9 - Big Seal Rock - The Wall
Australia, NSW, Seal Rocks
intermediate
(1)
Great wall dive. Soft corals on the wall and nice coral garden.
East of the Big Rock
#10 - Bawley point, NSW
Australia, Queensland, Pacific
Unrated
(3)
Lat: S 35.48536 Long: E 150.33902
The gantry at Bawley Point is a popular fishing and diving spot easily accessible by car. Many dive stores do their training there. It is also a historical site with remains of an old lumber shipping facility.
#11 - Navy Pier
Australia, WA, Exmouth and Ningaloo
beginner
(2)
North of Exmouth (Western side of the cape), on Commonwealth Land (Naval Waters)and makes up part of the Murat Sanctuary zone.
Navy Pier is also known as Point Murat Navy Pier.
#12 - Gordon's Bay Clovelly
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(1)
Enter water at end of path, swim out a few meters and find chain, follow the chain to the wall.
Walk down path from the car park, enter at end of path
#13 - Flat Rock
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Brisbane
intermediate
(1)
Many different sites around Flat Rock & Little Flat Rock, usually catering for most experience levels.
Either from Manly Harbour, or from North Stradbroke Island, depending on the dive company you travel with. About 10 mins from Straddie or longer from the mainland.
#14 - Moore Reef
Australia, WA, Geraldton
beginner
(1)
Moore Reef is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Australia, WA, Geraldton which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.
#15 - Point Peron
Australia, WA, Rockingham
beginner
(1)
Point Peron is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Australia, WA, Rockingham which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.
#16 - Sewage Pipe
Australia, NSW, Nelson Bay
beginner
(1)
An alternative to Halifax Park.
50 metres from the Nelson Bay Fisherman's Co-Op
Sewage Pipe is also known as Pipeline.
#17 - Cottage by the Sea
Australia, Victoria, Pacific
Unrated
(0)
One of Melbourne most well known and best shore dive location. Abundance of fish life including cuttle fish, crays, sea dragons, etc. Best dived on high tide, with no wind or Northerlies as surface conditions remain calm. The dive site opens up towards the main "heads" of Port Phillip Bay and is often exposed to ocean swell. On a good day it is an awesome dive with significant cliff faces, bommies and rock formations down to a depth of about 8-9 metres. It can get a little busy during summer.
Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria. From Melbourne, head to Geelong and then onto Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula. The dive site is not sign posted however it has become known due to the Orphanage on the main road into Queencliff called "Cottage by the Sea". Parking is good, and only a short 150m stroll over the sand dunes is required to enter the water.
#18 - Catalina #1
Australia, NT, Darwin
beginner
(0)
One of the 5 PBY Catalina flying boats from WWII.
Deep in Darwin Harbour.
#19 - Shark point
Australia, NSW, Sydney
intermediate
(0)
This is a classic dive from shore. During summer season, diving is prohibited in Clovelly Pool during between 10am to 4pm. Clovelly Pool is a useful fall-back exit / entry point when seas are rough.
Can be dangerous entry point as you will have to jump into usually large surge. Timing essential. Can not be dived in large seas. Not for the faint hearted. However, excellent dive site. Probably best in Eastern Suburbs.
N side of Clovelly Bay (Sydney's Eastern Suburbs), 8 Km from the city. Park at the bottom end of Ocean Street.
#20 - The Leap
Australia, NSW, Sydney
intermediate
(0)
This is for experienced divers. Dive this site on the incoming tide. You have to leap off a rock into the water, but this is not the problem... If you choose to return to the entry point and NOT dive all the way round to the Steps site then you will have to exit after your dive at the same rock, which can be a problem if you dive to late on the tide and it goes out while you are submerged. Alternatively, you can exit from The Steps, only 100 meters away - as the crow flies, some 400 meters diving wise - from The Leap.
Kurnell National Park. The dive site is located after about 2 kilometres after entering the national park. You should see a small informal parking area on the right side of the road as you head up a significant hill. This is after you pass the Steps Site on the left. You will see newly painted car spaces and a Zebra pedestrian crossing painted on the raod surface as well. Its on the cleft of a corner so care needs to be taken when leaving the area and backing away from the car park. Once parked, cross the road using the zebra crossing and follow the small tack out to the east heading to the coastal shoreline. You should find a cliff walk, denoted by the stairs now made available that fishermen use down the side of the cliff face. Use this to access the site. It's not too difficult a walk. I have taken many novice divers down here. Some tollerance to heights is required though. At the base of the cliff walk you will need to be careful of black - dark green slime, which looks dry but isn't on the rocks as it is very slippery. Walk to cliff edge and perform all buddy checks. Then do a giant stride into the ocean. You need to decide before hand whether you are diving from the Leap to the Steps, or whether you are just going to dive the Leap area and come back to you start point. If you wish to take this second option, you will need to start you dive an hour BEFORE the top of the tide. This way there will be plenty of high tide to lift you up onto the rock when you wish to get out at the end of an hours dive - make it 1:30 hour before the top of the tide. If your diving from the Leap to the Steps, then you plan to do this dive 2 hours before the top of the tide, so as to gain maximum benefit of the tidal 'push' into the bay. This way you don't have to swim much at all.
Firstly, descend and then head east to great wall which drops down to the sand at 22-24 meters. Once here, turn left and head back into the bay - North west depending on air consumption, you may need to come up from the bottom and stay at 15 meters to help use less as you dive around the coast. Or you may have to completely cut the corner and rise up to 6-7 meters and come into the shallows to get all the way round the corner and make it to the Steps exit. You'll know you are back at the Steps when you are on the sandy reef line when your depth reaches 8 meters. The first few times you may need to surface first to find out where you are in relation to the Steps Exit area. This is typically where the fisho's hang out at the Steps site.
#21 - Fly Point
Australia, NSW, Nelson Bay
beginner
(0)
A very popular dive site. Dive at slack tide!
North-east of the main marina.
#22 - Murphy's Reef
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Sunshine Coast
intermediate
(0)
One of the best dive site of the area.
Approx 5 miles W of Mooloolaba.
#23 - SS Woniora
Australia, NSW, Sydney
advanced
(0)
The SS Woniora was a collier. It sunk 28 October 1882.
Vessel size: 42m long x 6m wide, displacement: 226 tons.
It's a deep wreck, ONLY for very experienced diver!
The wreck is located at the centre of the entrance to Botany Bay.
#24 - Black Rock
Australia, NSW, South West Rocks
beginner
(0)
Black Rock is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Australia, NSW, South West Rocks which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
#25 - North Mole Barge (Gareenup Wreck)
Australia, Western Australia, Pacific
Unrated
(0)
The North Mole Barge is one of Perth's most accessible shore wrecks of some historic significance. Often referred to as the 'Gareenup Wreck', when in actual fact the wreck still remains unidentified. The wreck is of the construction of a steel hopper barge and due to having a boiler on site it likely had steam driven machinery or propulsion. The wreck is likely a dredge that would have worked the Swan River and Fremantle Port, but it is unknown when it was likely to have been sunk. Thought to have originally been destined for the Rottnest deep water graveyard it fell well short of its destination and was originally sunk 200 metres from its present day location. In 1988 due to expansion of the Fremantle port and with its popularity with local divers, the sunken barge was raised and finally laid to rest 180 metres north from the northern harbour sea wall.
https://www.divingwawrecks.com/north-mole-barge
#26 - Container Wall Botany Bay
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(0)
This dive site is a man made wall which was created when they made Botany Bay the new port for container ships. The wall is made up of many large concrete blocks of diff shapes which are randomly placed along the waters edge, these blocks create a wall of many many crevices and big cave like holes with a lot of spots where you can actually enter into one hole and exit out of another. Its a really interesting shallow dive and something a little bit different to what we all usually dive.
A lot of fish life live amongst these big blocks and its not unusual to see very large species of fish.
Put your boat in at Foreshore Road Boat Ramp, located on Foreshore rd, Port Botany. Its a big boat ramp area with plenty of parking.
Its only a short 5min boat ride, you will head out with a aeroplane run way on your right and you will see the big container ships getting loaded up on your left.
Once you get past the container ships head towards your left and go around the point at Molineaux Point Lookout.
You can anchor up anywhere along the big concrete block wall, we usually throw the anchor out about 20m before the wall ends.
I haven't dived this site from shore but if doing a shore dive caution needs to be taken when climbing down the concrete blocks to get to the water.
#27 - SS Courier
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
advanced
(0)
SS Courier is a 800 tons steel steamer vessel scuttled in 1928.
north-east of the Ships' Graveyard
#28 - Green Island
Australia, NSW, South West Rocks
beginner
(0)
Easy Drift around the island, plenty of grey nurse, turtles as well as the small stuff
#29 - Ladys Reef
Australia, NSW, South West Rocks
beginner
(0)
Easy shore dive, fantastic macro dive, soft corals, and lots of life, great night dive with easy access to pub once finished.
access from shore, swim out to stingray rock, about 75 metres from shore, around to the seaward side and then swim 5 degrees to the left of north until reaching 10 metres depth about 2 minutes.
#30 - Mettams Pool
Australia, WA, Perth
beginner
(0)
This pool is a great place for family, first time snorkelled or for introducing children to snorkelling. There is also an access for the disabled.
in line with LYNN St in TRIGG. It is between trigg point and north beach shops (30 minutes of Perth city).
Mettams Pool is also known as Mettams.
#31 - Catalina #5
Australia, NT, Darwin
beginner
(0)
One of the 5 PBY Catalina flying boats from WWII.
Deep in Darwin Harbour.
#32 - Mornington Pier
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
Very good dive site. Rocky shoals along the pier...
Mornington !
#33 - Swan River
Australia, WA, Perth
beginner
(0)
Good crab dive location.
Also good for prawns at night. Most Prawns can be found at about 10m. Descend to about 10m then follow the depth contour to the right. This will take you infront of the boat pens, so be careful of boat traffic (there is very little at night) To return ascend 2 or 3 metres to avoid your silt trail, then reverse direction. In winter the first 5m or so may have almost zero vis, especially after rain. Below 5m you will enter salt water and the vis suddenly improves, and the water temperature increases. Sometimes you can see an abrupt transition between the fresh water above and salt below.
This site is not effected by tide currents.
There is a set of steps down to the water just to the West of the jetty.
Swan River is also known as Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club Boat Shed.
#34 - SS Kelloe
Australia, NSW, Sydney
advanced
(0)
SS Kelloe was a iron hulled collier. It sunk 12 May 1902. This is a very good deep dive!
The SS Kelloe lies about 1.25 kilometres off the Sydney suburb of Little Bay.
#35 - Lonsdale Wall
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
The top of the wall starts at 13 metres deep and drops of to 90 metres in some parts. This is a slack water dive.
20 Min from Queenscliff. Wall must be dived on slack water. Drift on top of wall when tides are running
#36 - Julain Rocks - Cod Hole
Australia, NSW, Byron Bay
beginner
(0)
North-eastern corner of Julian rocks.
#37 - HMAS J4 Submarine
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
intermediate
(0)
"HMAS J4 was a J class submarine built by HM Dockyard at Pembroke in Wales and launched on 2 February 1916, was transferred to Australia on 25 March 1919 and operated out of Geelong in Victoria, paid off on 12 July 1922, was sold on 26 February 1924 but sank at her moorings at Williamstown on 10 July 1924, was raised and scuttled off Port Phillip in 1927" Source: Wikipedia.org
J4 submarine is the shallowest of the subs located outside Port Phillip Bay. The wreck is broken in half.
Port Phillip bay
HMAS J4 Submarine is also known as Shallow submarine, 26m Submarine.
#38 - The Valiant
Australia, NSW, Sydney
intermediate
(0)
The Vailant was a tug boat that sunk in 1981. This is ones of Sydneys most recent wrecks.
Vessel size: 22.5m x 5.4 m (72 tons).
The Vailant wreck is off Barrenjoey Head, Palm Beach.
The Valiant is also known as The Valient (mispelled name).
#39 - Catalina #2
Australia, NT, Darwin
beginner
(0)
One of the 5 PBY Catalina flying boats from WWII.
Deep in Darwin Harbour.
#40 - Lonsdale Reef
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
Many wrecks. Only dive at slack tide
Located on the Lonsdale side of Port Phillip Heads
Lonsdale Reef is also known as Longsdale Reef.
#41 - Blairgowrie Pier
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
Lot of sponges on the pylons.
Blairgowrie, South of Port Philip's bay. There is a ladder in the middle of the pier.
#43 - HMAS J3 Submarine
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
"HMAS J3 formerly HMS J3 was a J class submarine built for the Royal Navy by HM Dockyard at Pembroke in Wales and launched on 4 December 1915, was transferred to Australia on 25 March 1919 and operated out of Geelong in Victoria, paid off on 12 July 1922, was sold in April 1924 and sunk in 1926" Source: Wikipedia.org
Near Swan Island
HMAS J3 Submarine is also known as Swan Island Submarine.
#44 - The monuments
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(0)
You should find many divers here on weekends. seek out their knowledge prior to diving.
Drive into the Botany Bay National Park and take the turn into the Visitor's car park (0.8 Km from park entrance). Pass the visitor's Centre and follow the road round (200meters) to the final car park on the left before you rejoin the main road. Turn into this car park. Covered picnic areas are easily visible from the road along with large grassed areas (hectares in size) so you'll know that you are in the right area. You access the dives site by walking towards the waters edge to the north. This is easiest done by following the natural boundary of the grassed areas and the National park's great bush area to the east towards the shoreline. You will soon see the trail in the above photo leading to the shoreline and yes there are some steps here to facilitate access to the water. However, these are very old and I would not use them to get down the small cliff (1meter high). You can find alternative access nearby. The shoreline is exposed on days with big surf so be careful picking days when you dive here. Also, check the tides as the tidal currents are strong. Aim at diving at high tide.
You should see hundreds of Sea dragons at this site, mainly near to the kelp and sand areas. They can be difficult to see and it is best if you slow the dive right down and wait for them to move about. Good dive.
#45 - Camp Cove
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(0)
Camp Cove is a very accessible dive. During hight tide the visablity is great. During Change of tides the slit bottom causes the vis to drop.
Southern shore of Sydney Harbour.
#48 - Fingal Head
Australia, NSW, Nelson Bay
beginner
(0)
Nice sponge garden.
3 kilometres south of Port Stephens at Point Stephens Lighthouse. Dive the north side to th small rock.
#49 - Boat Rock
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Brisbane
intermediate
(0)
Cruise along a huge wall, before you arrive at the end. Wait there for a bit to watch the Eagle Rays come in and just hover out off the wall a bit in the open. Awesome dive, but careful against the current back to the mooring line
Either from Manley Harbour or from Nth Stradbroke Island. Short boat trip from Straddie or longer from mainland.
#51 - Halifax Park
Australia, NSW, Nelson Bay
beginner
(0)
This is probably the best shore dive of the NSW. During summer, the dive site is very crowded.
The marine life is incredible here. The best is probably the huge amount of sea slugs! A must for macro-photographers.
West side of Halifax Park at Nelson Bay; at the end of Nelson Head.
#52 - SS Catterthun
Australia, NSW, Seal Rocks
advanced
(0)
SS Catterthun sunk 8 August 1895. This 92 meters longe wreck lies upright and fairly intact. There is huge engine just up four or five metres.
off Seal Rocks
#53 - Rye Pier
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
During summer months this pier can have dozens of fishermen - stay below the pier to avoid being hooked.
Rye, Mornington Peninsula
Enter by jumping from lower landing on eastern side of pier. Exit via ladder at end of landing.
#54 - SS Coogee
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
advanced
(0)
SS Coogee is a 67 metres (220 feet) long steamship used to transpost cargo and passengers.
4 kilometres offshore between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads
#55 - HMAS J5 Submarine
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
intermediate
(0)
"HMAS J5 was formerly HMS J5 [1], a First World War J class submarine built for the Royal Navy by HM Dockyard at Devonport in Plymouth.
The J's were three-screw diesel electric submarines of some 1,800 tons armed with 6 torpedo tubes, two of these in the beam position, and a 4-inch gun. They were built to have a fast surfaced speed; in practice nearly 20 knots.
J5 was launched on 9 September 1915 and commissioned on 6 May 1916. She and the other J's were members of the 11th Submarine Flotilla. She served in the North Sea chiefly in operations against German destroyers and U-boats, most of encounters were with the latter. Although engaging several times with enemies the closest she got to sinking the enemy was striking U-86 with a torpedo which fortunately for them did not explode.
After the war, she was transferred along with other members of her class to Australia on 25 March 1919. There she operated out of Geelong in Victoria until paid off on 12 July 1922 as a cost-saving exercise. She was sold on 26 February 1924 and after stripping she and J1 and J2 were sunk in deep water outside Port Phillip Bay on 4 June 1926."
Source: Wikipedia.org
Port Phillip Bay
HMAS J5 Submarine is also known as 36m Submarine J5, The yellow sub, 35m Submarine.
#56 - Nepean Bay
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
Nepean Bay is part of the Harold Holt Marine Reserve: it is a look and don't touch zone!
Nepean bay is closest to the end of Point Nepean tip.
IMPORTANT: Shore entry is prohibited due to Military installations. Point Nepean is a restricted area: don't land on the beach !
#57 - Portsea Pier
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
beginner
(0)
Classic dive site for anyone to practice skills. The bottom is mostly sandy and the pylons are covered in colorful sponges..
Portsea, at the end of Mornington Peninsula; Port Phillip Bay.
#58 - The Quetta Wreck
Australia, QLD, Far Northern
intermediate
(0)
RMS Quetta was a 116 m long passenger liner. She sunk in 1890 and now lies on her port side.
Just south of mount Adolphus Island, in the Adolphus channel. 290km north of Lockhart River.
The Quetta Wreck is also known as RMS Quetta.
#59 - Norman Reef - Caves
Australia, QLD, Cairns and Port Douglas
beginner
(0)
Northern tip (west side) of Norman Reef. 60km northeast of Cairns (2hrs).
#60 - The Arch
Australia, NSW, Jervis Bay
advanced
(0)
Best dive of JB; but for advanced divers only.
1 nautical mile north of JB entrance, at "high cliffs".
#61 - Crocodile Head
Australia, NSW, Jervis Bay
advanced
(0)
One of the best deep dive. Take care of the current!
2 nautical miles north of JB entrance
#62 - Drum and Drumsticks
Australia, NSW, Jervis Bay
intermediate
(0)
rocky reef
4 nautical miles north from JB entrance.
Drum and Drumsticks is also known as Near dives: Wanderer wreck, Echo Point Gutters, Drum Cave, The Gap.
#63 - HMAS Canberra
Australia, VIC, Melbourne
intermediate
(0)
This is a nice dive for divers between 16m to 33m so it can be accessed by all level divers. (staying within their level of cert) This site is affected by currents and can be quite demanding at times, vis is also affected by surging currents and may vary from 1m to about 20m. for those suitably certified if you swim to the funnels you can drop down the funnels and you end up in the engine room. Also if you make your way to the galley on the mid deck towards the bow there is a mural painted on one of the walls which makes for a good photo. At this stage there is very little silting but I do believe this may not be the case within years to come, so you must asses this site to your own experience and cert level to determine how you will plan your dive.
This site is approx 2km offshore between Barwon heads and Ocean grove and is accessible only from a boat. This site has limited access and is accessible via a commercial dive charter (Dive Victoria is a good option) Alternatively if you are using your own boat you must book a window (2hrs) for a mooring via parks Victoria.There are good moorings fixed to the bottom and they are well maintained.
HMAS Canberra is also known as FFG-02 Ex HMAS Canberra.
#64 - HMAS Brisbane
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Sunshine Coast
intermediate
(0)
"The second HMAS Brisbane (D-41) was a Perth class guided missile destroyer laid down by the Defoe Shipbuilding Company at Bay City, Michigan, USA, on 15 February 1965, launched on 5 May 1966, and commissioned on 16 December 1967. She was christened by the wife of the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, who delivered a message to the United States and to the builders at the shipyard thanking them for their efforts. Over 5000 people witnessed the launching. While the ship was building, many crew members came to Bay City to train on the ship and prepare the ship for commissioning. Some brought along their wives and families with them. However, there was a housing shortage in the area at the time, so a call went out to local residents to assist in providing housing for these crewmen.
Her nickname was the Steel Cat. Brisbane served as plane guard for carriers on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf, participated in Sea Dragon and Market Time operations, patrolled on search and rescue duties, and carried out Naval Gunfire Support missions during the conflict in Vietnam. She also escorted the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne when participating in NATO exercises in the Atlantic.
Brisbane paid off on 19 October 2001 to be sunk as a dive wreck off the coast of Queensland. Her bridge was removed and preserved at the Australian War Museum in Canberra.
Brisbane was sunk approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) off the coast of Mudjimba, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia on Sunday, the 31 July 2005 in 30 meters (115 feet) of water. She was filled with approximately 200 tonnes of concrete. Then 38 small charges were detonated around her hull and she sank to the bottom in two and a half minutes. Queensland state Premier Peter Beattie personally threw the switch to detonate the explosives. The top of her funnels can be seen lying just three meters below the water at low tide."
Source: Wikipedia
Approx 5 Nautical Miles from the mouth of the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour. Off the coast of Mudjimba.
HMAS Brisbane is also known as D-41.
#65 - diamond island kelp forests
Australia, TAS, East coast, Bicheno
beginner
(0)
this is an excelent dive site countless amount of abolone excelent kelp forests and magnificent visuability.
the island at the northen end of red bill beach bicheno walk along beach from main eneterance(note this dive spot is only accesable in low tide)
#66 - Lotties Lagoon
Australia, WA, Exmouth and Ningaloo
beginner
(0)
Lotties's Lagoon consisted of a sandy bottom with various coral pillars and bommie's scattered around.
#67 - Yaroomba reef
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Sunshine Coast
beginner
(0)
dont go out if big waves r breaking because rouge wave will get on the dry roks
Head from Maroochydore towards Coolum on the coast road, after you pass Mt Coolum look out for the suburb of Yaroomba (has a sign).
Swimm out from yaroomba beach just out past were waves r breaking.
#68 - SS Undola
Australia, NSW, Sydney
advanced
(0)
SS Undola was a small coastal steamer, sunk december 20th, 1919. It lies upright on the bottom, with its bow facing to NE.
The wreck lies 2.5 km off Garie Beach in the southern end of the Royal National Park.
#69 - Green Island
Australia, WA, Perth, Rottnest
beginner
(0)
Southern side of Rottnest Island. Approx 40 minutes by boat from Fremantle; and 15 minutes by boat from Rottnest.
#70 - Hendersen Island
Australia, WA, Perth, Rottnest
beginner
(0)
Henrietta Rocks are just northwest of Dyer Island
Hendersen Island is also known as Henrietta Rocks.
#71 - Transit Wreck
Australia, WA, Perth, Rottnest
beginner
(0)
Wooden schooner, 124 tons, 88.8 feet long. Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope. There was a suggestion that her master had been careless or had deliberately wrecked the vessel. No lives lost.
Transit reef (Duck rock), Thomson Bay.
#72 - Manta Ray Bommie
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Brisbane
beginner
(0)
Awesome during the Manta season from late Nov/Dec through to April approx. So many huge Mantas it's unreal!
Either from Manly Harbour or from North Stradbroke Island depending on the dive company you travel with. Short trip from Straddie, or longer trip from the mainland of course.
#73 - The Steps
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner
(0)
Weedy sea dragons, giant cuttlefish, blue groper, eagle rays, octopus, moray eel, lion fish, Port Jackson shark, sea pen, numb ray, nudibranch, yellowtail, cat fish.
The Steps is located in the Kurnell Botany Bay National Park. It costs $7.00 for a day-pass to enter the national park.
#74 - Lady Elizabeth Wreck
Australia, WA, Perth, Rottnest
beginner
(0)
Wooden barque 658 tons. From Fremantle for Shanghai, one life lost. Wreck lies on a sandy bottom in Bickley Bay with the bow wedged into a reef in about ten metres with a portion of her hull and ribs exposed. Some artefacts remain.
Just west of Dyer Island
#75 - Sand Pipe - Gold Coast Seaway
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Gold Coast
beginner
(0)
Between The Split and Stradbroke Island. Northeast of Nerang.
#76 - Shag Rock
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Brisbane
beginner
(0)
Wobbiegong Sharks, turtles, octopus, tropical fish, sea slugs etc.
White rocks just off the northern tip of Point Lookout.
#77 - North East Wall - Gold Coast Seaway
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Gold Coast
beginner
(0)
Southern end of South Stradbroke Island
#79 - Catalina #4
Australia, NT, Darwin
beginner
(0)
One of the 5 PBY Catalina flying boats from WWII.
Deep in Darwin Harbour.
#80 - Julian Rocks - The Cray Cave
Australia, NSW, Byron Bay
beginner
(0)
The Cray Cave is located on the exposed south-east end of Julian Rocks.
#81 - Wave Break Island - Gold Coast Seaway
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Gold Coast
beginner
(0)
Dive first Seagrass Bed and go to the Canyon.
Northeast tip of Wave Break Island.
#82 - South-West Wall - Gold Coast Seaway
Australia, QLD, Southern Queensland, Gold Coast
beginner
(0)
Muck dive area with interesting sea life.
The Split, near the marine stadium.
#83 - Harbord
Australia, NSW, Sydney
beginner