Yes Lady Elliot is a great option. Reasonably affordable and heaps of fish life including resident Mantas and turtles until you get fed up with them I agree limiting to two dives a day is a pain but occasionally you can also get an extra in but no night dives due to issues of evacuation in emergency situations. There are always some Marine biologists on the island as it is part of ongoing studies. The reef walk with the Marine biologist and snorkeling are excellent options as well.
Sydney, Port Stephens, South West Rock with fishrock cave and up to Brisbane would be a great option. There is also wonderful pier diving and variety at Melbourne. So many people think of OZ diving as the GBR and miss the amazing and unique creatures at the more southern locations.
I would suggest that the best option is to tell us what it is that you want to see and what you want to do. What types of dives and any other tourist type activities you want and we can give you more tailored advice
Sydney, Port Stephens, South West Rock with fishrock cave and up to Brisbane would be a great option. There is also wonderful pier diving and variety at Melbourne. So many people think of OZ diving as the GBR and miss the amazing and unique creatures at the more southern locations.
I would suggest that the best option is to tell us what it is that you want to see and what you want to do. What types of dives and any other tourist type activities you want and we can give you more tailored advice