Diving Australia
Diving in Australia includes the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and to the west in Perth. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef complex in the word and encompasses an area of 100,000 square miles. The Reef is comprised of 2500 separate reefs that begin off the northeastern coast of Australia. The relatively shallow waters of the continental shelf, rarely exceeding 180 feet, offer ideal conditions for the coral. The water is clear and warm and the shallow depths allow plenty of light for coral growth. Of all the world’s coral reefs, none contain as many species of life as the Great Barrier Reef.
The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is by live aboard. The best diving on the Reef is on the Far North Barrier Reef between Thursday Islands and Torres Straight south to Lockhard River, north of Carnes.
Diving the Coral Sea includes Abington Reef (east-northeast of Townsville about 150 miles), Marion Reef (250 miles due east of Townsville), and Osprey Reef (northeast of Cairns). Marion Reef offers great pinnacle diving and is a place to see big animals, including several varieties of turtles and pelagic fishes.
The shipwrecked Yongala, a 365-foot trader, sank in 1911 during a cyclone 11 miles off shore and 45 miles east of Townsville. Its location has transformed the wreck into an artificial reef inhabited by many kinds of fish. The Yongala lies on its starboard side in 90 to 100 feet of water on the sand.
Perth, in western Australia, also offers some great diving. Abrolhos Islands and Rottnest Island offer some great diving. Abrolhos Islands known as the “Islands of Angry Ghosts,” are located 25 miles west of Geraldton, which is approximately 185 miles north of Perth. There are three groups of Islands, the Wallabi Group, the Easter Group, and the Pelsart Group. These islands have incredible coral gardens, which are the best on the West Coast. There are historical shipwrecks and an extremely beautiful anemone garden. In October, the migrating Humpback Whales return from the Ningaloo Reef and a large population of friendly Sea Lions roam the area.
Rottnest Island is only 7 miles from Perth. It offers sponges and soft and hard corals in all varieties. The island consists of mainly limestone reefs with a combination of temperate and tropical species of fish. There are some shipwrecks and cavern diving.
The wrecks of the HMAS Swan and the HMAS Perth at Dunsborough and Albany respectively are a pioneering idea in diving. Both specifically sunk for diving, they provide artificial reefs and shelter for many fish and marine animals. They also offer the serious wreck diver a challenging look into their histories and structure.
Best time to dive
August through November
Visibility
Visibility ranges from 50 to 200+ feet.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures vary from 81 °F in the north and 75 °F on the southern tip.
Weather and climate
Australia is temperate, with most of the country receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. In summer (December to March) the average temperature is 84°F. The hottest region is the northern two-thirds of the continent, which experiences humid and wet conditions in summer. Further south, summer is warm with occasional hot spells and mild nights. Winter (June to August) averages 56°F for the country as a whole, with warm days and mild nights in the northern areas, becoming cool and showery in the south although there are still plenty of sunny days.
Perth and the southwest regions have a mild Mediterranean style climate with low humidity and lots of sunshine. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 89 °F in November to March, to 60 °F from June to September. July is the coldest month and February is the hottest month. Rainfall from November to March is low, and is heavier from May to August.
Language
English
Passport/Visa requirements
Every nationality except New Zealanders needs visas. Tourist visas and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas are valid for three months. Passports are also required and must be valid for period of intended stay. Visitors must hold sufficient funds and all documents required for further travel.
Currency
Australian Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Electrical current
Electrical current is 240/250 volts AC, 50 Hz. Three-pin plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.
Capital
Canberra, national capital, Australian Capital Territory
Sydney, capital city, New South Wales
Melbourne, capital city, Victoria
Brisbane, capital city, Queensland
Perth, capital city, Western Australia
Adelaide, capital city, South Australia
Hobart, capital city, Tasmania
Darwin, capital city, Northern Territory
General information
Australia is a vast island continent situated south of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and lies between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Australia is the world’s sixth largest country and measures some 2,500 miles east to west and 2,000 miles north to south. Much of the interior of the country is flat, barren, and sparsely populated. The bulk of the population lives on the narrow, fertile eastern coastal plain and on the southeastern coast. The continent-long Great Dividing Range runs north-south down the eastern seaboard, separating the coastal plain from the drier inland areas. The Great Barrier Reef lies 30 to 185 miles offshore and extends 1,240 miles from Torres Strait to Gladstone.
Australia offers everything from cultural experiences in the Sydney Opera House to the “Outback” with strange marsupials, birds, koalas, and brilliantly colored birds. Australia has world-class cities, snowfields, deserts, rainforests, and golden beaches. There is something for everyone in Australia.
Map
Get a map of Australia from WorldAtlas.com.