Townsville: Great Barrier Reef vs. Yongala

[chengas123]

I was wondering where I should dive in Townsville.

I'm arriving Jan 1 and leave the morning of Jan 5. I'm going to start a NAUI certification course next week in the US so that I have basic certification when I arrive.

Since I only have a short time in the area, I probably won't be able to dive both the Barrier Reef and the Yongala. I could probably only dive the Yongala as part of a two day advanced certification course. Will I be disappointed if I don't get to dive the reef after coming all the way to Australia since that's what it's famous for? Is there similar sea life in both areas or sea life in one area that I couldn't see anywhere else?

Also, I'd be interested in any recommendations for any must-see attractions on land. I imagine I probably can't dive on the 4th anyway, since I'm getting on a plane at 9am on the 5th.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WetPup]

None of the boats in Townsville go to the outer reef anymore. A couple used to many years ago, but they've shut up shop.

Adrenalin Dive run day trips out to Wheeler reef from Townsville. It's one of the inner reefs, but if you really want to dive the GBR and will be in Townsville, it's probably your best bet.

They also run a 3 day/3 night boat trip that does the Yongala and Wheeler reef.

Try contacting them.

As for land-based stuff in Townsville...Billabong Sanctuary or Magnetic Island

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

I agre with WetPup, but the over night trip Adrenalin run to the Yongala leaves Tuesdays, so you would not be able ot fit it in.

If you are going to be in Townsville the whole time, why not do as suggested above and do a day trip to Wheeler Reef, but then see if you can get down to Ayr, just south of Townsville and do a day trip to the Yongala there.

Yongala Wreck Dives From Ayr Or Townsville

But note, that you will have to take deep dive Adventure dive (teh Deep dive from the PADI Advanced course) to dive the wreck, as it is deeper than teh 19m restriction allowed by the Open Water certification. The wreck lies on its side and the sea floor is around 30m (100ft).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cairns Discount Dive And Snorkel Trips. Live Aboard And Day Trips To The Great Barrier Reef

 

[Valwood1]

Yongala is a truly great dive -- better, in my opinion, than most of the GBR dives -- but it may be one that you should defer doing until you have a bit more experience. Personally, I don't think that depth alone is a huge issue, but potential currents at Yongala can be tricky, and 100' under water, without close instruction or some experience, is not where you want to have a "learning experience".

 

[MA]

I agree. Yonagla whilst amazing, can be a tricky dive. The currents are strong, and its deep. to really enjoy it, a few dives under the belt would be better.

 

[packeteer]

I've just returned from a week in Alva Beach (Yongala Dive lodge). Unfortunately I did not get to dive due to poor weather. There's not much there, so the wait was rather boring. Hopefully the weather is nicer next time I go.

 

[bracko]

^^ do you dive with frogdive (Willoughby)?

I overheard someone at the store with pretty similar experience.

out of all the people I know who have attempted to dive this wreck, about 60% actually do...

 

[packeteer]

^^ do you dive with frogdive (Willoughby)?

I overheard someone at the store with pretty similar experience.

out of all the people I know who have attempted to dive this wreck, about 60% actually do...

yes, that would be me