Moving to Melbourne

[JoshuaJ]

Hi All,

My fiance and I may be moving to Melbourne in March. I've asked to transfer to our office there and we'll be working out the details soon. We are both REALLY looking forward to diving in Australia, and much more frequently. As it stands, we haven't been in the water in a year now.

I would love to get to know fellow divers in the area, learn about some good spots for shore diving as well as some affordable charters that are maybe geared toward locals as opposed to the tourists?

Also, any advice for a newcomer to Melbourne would be greatly appreciated!

 

[diver257a]

Hi
Have a look at these links:

Australia - British Sub Aqua Club
Victorian Artificial Reef Society (VARS) - Home - Victoria - World Class Temperate Water Diving Destination
Learn to SCUBA dive : Equipment : Charters : Bookings : SCUBA Diving Melbourne
SCUBA DIVERS FEDERATION of VICTORIA

Also try googling ‘scuba diving melbourne’.

I use to live in Melbourne – I consider it to be well-serviced in terms of dive stores, clubs and charter boats.

There are number of Victorian divers on scubaboard – some of these guys may be able to provide you with some specific advice.

 

[thanksforallthefish]

You are moving to Melbourne by choice

try looking here Dive-Oz Discussion Forums - We've Gone Virtual!! probably the biggest diving forum in oz with LOTS of Melburnians

Melbourne has a very active dive community

Actually i quite enjoy Melbourne diving, but dont let the Melburnians know

 

[JoshuaJ]

You scare me a little with that remark! Melbourne doesn't seem so bad, seems a lot like californa wine country as far as climate and nearby agriculture. Our Australian office is in Melbourne, but if i had a choice I might go further north.

 

[thanksforallthefish]

Ahh ... dont worry ... it is just friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne

Both cities have their good and bad points, but overall not a great deal of difference. I am sure you will enjoy your time there, and as i said the diving is good there as well. The wife and I will probably be heading down there to do some diving in March next year if not before.

You scare me a little with that remark! Melbourne doesn't seem so bad, seems a lot like californa wine country as far as climate and nearby agriculture. Our Australian office is in Melbourne, but if i had a choice I might go further north.

 

[JoshuaJ]

Okay, I didn't catch that at first I'm still waiting for word from the office manager in Melbourne on whether or not they want me next year, then comes negotiation on relocation assistance (gonna have to get a side job to afford it on my own). Crossing my fingers!

 

[franny]

Too late... It has been noted

There is plenty good diving in Melbourne, both from boats and the shore.... The only catch is some of the diving will take you a while to get to, as you may have to drive a distance to get to the heads.

Melbourne is basically based around a big bay, so there is plenty of options. Inside the bay they vary from very shallow pier dives to relatively deep dives where there are channels in the bay. There are plenty of shore dives to do, and some of those dives can be good fun with plenty to see. A book that may be useful is Shore Dives of Victoria by Ian Lewis. The only really big warning is that dives on the "back beaches" need to be carefully considered, due to the conditions being potentially very dangerous. We don't want you doing a "Harold Holt"

Outside the heads there is a good ship graveyard, and other dives. The dives vary from 18m all the way to over 60, so it will suit you regardless of your likes, and most of them you can dive both from commercial and private boats. There are plenty of good shops around, but gear can be expensive.

Those clubs suggested are some of the many, but those should be a good start. I would definitely suggest visiting dive-oz, as it is more heavily populated with local talent.

 

[Sas]

Hey, I go diving once or twice a week in Melbourne, all sorts of sites. PM me if you are looking for a buddy if you end up moving here