Best places to dive anywhere in Oz in July / August

[Fintbeast]

Hi all,

I've got a long-awaited holiday to Oz coming up this summer and wanted to make the most of the opportunity to do some diving while I'm there. Primarily, I'm going to visit friends and family who've emigrated...but obviously want to fit in diving where possible too. At the moment, my itinerary is completely open and I will probably shape some of the journey around your recommendations on where to dive.

So: What are the must-see sites? Where is off the beaten track but worth the extra effort?

To give you an idea of what I like:
I loved the macro in Borneo (and the rays, turtles and lionfish)
I also loved the corals and variety / quantity of fish (as opposed to other marine life) in the Red Sea
I'm not chasing any particular fish or ticking things off a list...I just love seeing life in all its fantastic forms.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,

Fin

 

[clownfishsydney]

Fish Rock at South West Rocks in NSW - grey nurse sharks galore. Sydney for things like sea dragons, sea horses and more. Do a Google search on scuba Sydney and my web site should come up first.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wingy]

Ningaloo Reef west coast - very remote and expensive to get to and stay but worth every kilometre and dollar. You will catch the humpbacks and possibly whalesharks at that time of the year given the current and water temp up there this year.

 

[bowlofpetunias]

Lady Elliott Island for Mantas, and turtles.. so many turtle you get blase about them!

 

[Wobbegong wannabe]

Byron Bay is nice, and if you're travelling with non-divers there's plenty for them to do there too.

 

[Fintbeast]

Awesome! Thanks for all the advice guys...much appreciated. I've been trying to see how to get to Ningaloo today...not easy, as you suggested! But I will definitely be going...

 

[Sieg@VU]

Wow, you are going to have a great adventure in an amazing country. There are so many great opportunities to dive as many have already mentioned. All I can add is that based on my several trips to OZ, if at all possible to block out a chunk of time, book a liveaboard and spend a week in the Coral Sea! Simply amazing and wonderfully rich & diverse marine life. Several great operators to choose from including the one we used multiple times, Mike Ball Expeditions out of Cairns.

I know you'll really enjoy the experience.

Cheers,
Sieg
Largest Scuba Gear & Dive Package Selections - Visibility Unlimited

 

[alcina]

If you need help with Ningaloo, drop me a note. I'll be traveling myself from mid-June onwards so won't be here to meet you probably but happy to offer whatever help I can

Oh, and it's true that it's expensive up here Getting here is no biggie tho - fly from Perth (PER) to Learmonth/Exmouth (LEA) - Qantas and Skywest both offer flights, though not daily so plan in advance. Fares range from $130 one way up to completely absurd prices so keep an eye out. Check with whichever airline you are flying international with to see if they work with Qantas - sometimes they can add-on and get you perks like extra luggage etc.

 

[Wingy]

Its not so much the Per > Learmonth its finding accomodation other than the Potshot hotel your choices are limited to Backpackers or caravan park if there are vacancies. Eating at the Potty can be..an experience..an expensive experience! Then its the hiring of a 4WD vehicle if you want to get to some of the really special spots like visiting the Potato Cods I believe the licence to dive the navy pier is held by one op - last time i spoke to him he wasnt keen on taking a solo diver out for a night dive. Dont let any obstacles stop you tho, there is a way around and it is more than worth it.

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Don't forget its the Minke Whale migration from June to September on the east Coast and if you dive Mike Ball or Spirit of Freedom who take the trips to the Ribbon Reef areas you get to dive with them.

Definately worth considering!