Queensland Diving Recommendations

[DeNomad]

I am headed down to Australia for four months starting in May. First off I'd like all us Canuks have heard about the bush fires and I hope everyone's friends and loved ones are safe.

That being said I am doing a bit of a working holiday and am hoping to do a lot of diving in my free time. I am going to start out in Gold Coast and work my way up to Townsville and Cairns, maybe even further north. What are the best dive sites to check out?

I have already been told the Yongola and the HMS Brisbane are must see dives. I am also hoping to take a charter with Mike Ball for the GBR. What else should I see? Also, if anyone in the area wants a dive buddy feel free to PM me.

 

[stormysea]

Once again I totally recommend checking in with Pete and Shon at Devocean dive on the Gold Coast. They can organise some fantastic dives on the gold coast and surrounding areas. If you dive with them you will probably dive with me on a few occasions....I tend to dive with them at least once a week. The goldcoast seaway and western beach are fantastic dives and Cook Island. There is plenty to dive while on the coast.

 

[DeNomad]

Thanks Stormy, I will definitely drop Pete & Shon an e-mail and see how far in advance I should be booking.

I saw some really wicked pictures from Byron Bay as well from this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/australia/270690-aussie-diving-1st-feb-15th-feb-6.html

Maybe I'll see you guys down there!

 

[MA]

get out to the coral sea! Mike ball, taka or spirit of freedom. SOF probably spends more time out there.

 

[AussieByron]

Thanks Stormy, I will definitely drop Pete & Shon an e-mail and see how far in advance I should be booking.

I saw some really wicked pictures from Byron Bay as well from this thread: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/australia/270690-aussie-diving-1st-feb-15th-feb-6.html

Maybe I'll see you guys down there!

Byron Bay is about an Hours drive south of the Gold Coast.

Dive Australia Scuba Diving with Sun Dive Byron Bay and About Byron Bay Dive Centre, Australia, Scuba Dive and Snorkelling Specialists are the two companies in town.

Regards Mark

 

[pac]

Byron Bay is about an Hours drive south of the Gold Coast.

Dive Australia Scuba Diving with Sun Dive Byron Bay and About Byron Bay Dive Centre, Australia, Scuba Dive and Snorkelling Specialists are the two companies in town.

Regards Mark

I'm looking at spending a few days in Byron in March and was wondering if you would recommend one operator over the other?

Thanks!

 

[rye_a]

Since you will probably be a little flexible in terms of dates, you might contact a few liveaboard operators in Cairns and tell them to let you know if they wind up with an extra bunk on one of their trips. About 9 years ago I flew into Cairns from Singapore, walked into the first dive shop I found, and wound up on a 4 day liveaboard on the GBR/Coral Sea for $350 US (I'm sure it would be more, now) including meals, air, and round trip airfare to Lizard Island. Flexibility is the key.

By the way, I am INSANELY jealous!

 

[DeNomad]

That sounds like an unbelievable deal Ryea. Don't suppose you remember who you got that deal with? I am sure over a 4 month period I might be able to get on a couple last minute liveaboards.

 

[rye_a]

That sounds like an unbelievable deal Ryea. Don't suppose you remember who you got that deal with? I am sure over a 4 month period I might be able to get on a couple last minute liveaboards.

It was on the Nimrod Explorer. There were a couple other backpackers on the boat from the Netherlands who I shared my cabin with (4 bunks in the bow end of a pontoon). They got a similar deal, and let slip what they paid. Some of the other clients on the boat who paid full fare were furious!