Advice for Diving in Australia

[Fordan]

Assuming you're coming from the US or Canada, you may want to look at the Aussie Air Pass from Qantas. Includes roundtrip international airfare down to Australia, plus 3 stops within Australia (additional segments are US$100). It seems pretty competitive with booking individual flights once you're there. I believe Air New Zealand has something similar with their South Pacific Airpass special if you're looking to include both Australia & New Zealand, though I haven't used it myself.

 

[colbar]

If you are humping dive gear around Oz and travelling by plane, remember to ask for your gratis extra luggage allowance for your gear.

Diving on our East Coast - basically pick a town and it will have a dive shop or 2. Check out diveoz.com.au.

 

[Advokat]

If you are after wine as well,there is heebs in Hunter Area,which is in between brisbane and sydney (2hr from Sydney), with plenty of dive sites as well. Boat dives at Central Coast are 80$ for a double dive.

I wouldnt say there is much to see at brisbane,but about 45-60 min drive you have the gold coast,which has a lot to see and to do!

 

[Rainer]

For planning purposes, what might be the best time of year to visit (to maximize diving, wine travel, cost, other activities)? Associated water temps? I'm going to assume NZ waters are much colder. Anyone know how they compare?