My first ever dive was a discovery dive on the Great Barrier Reef, celebrating my 40th birthday 12 years ago.
I was equal parts nervous and excited, but the moment I dipped beneath the surface, I was hooked.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now a fully qualified diver with over 100 dives under my belt. And I’m still just as thrilled every time I slip into the water.
Australia is a diver’s paradise, offering an incredible range of underwater adventures. From the world-famous Great Barrier Reef to hidden reefs and historic shipwrecks, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or more seasoned like me.
Ready to dive in? (pun intended)
Here are 20 of the best scuba diving spots in Australia to inspire your next underwater adventure. Let’s explore the magic beneath the waves!
Top 20 Scuba Diving Spots In Australia
1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is the crown jewel of best scuba diving in Australia. As the world’s largest coral reef system, it stretches over 2,300 kilometers along Queensland’s coast. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, swim alongside colorful fish, and encounter majestic sea turtles and manta rays. The reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral, making each dive a unique experience.
Popular dive sites include the Cod Hole, known for its friendly potato cod, and the Ribbon Reefs, famous for their stunning coral formations. Whether you’re snorkeling or deep diving, the Great Barrier Reef offers unparalleled underwater beauty. Remember to protect this natural wonder by following eco-friendly diving practices.
Hot Tip: Ensure your diving certification is up-to-date; the Great Barrier Reef’s depths require advanced skills for the best experience.
2. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

NeilsPhotography, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ningaloo Reef is another top spot for best scuba diving in Australia. Located on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, this reef is famous for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo is easily accessible from the shore, making it perfect for both snorkelers and divers.
Here, you can swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, and admire the vibrant coral gardens. The reef also hosts manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. One of the unique features of Ningaloo Reef is the annual coral spawning, a spectacular natural event that divers can witness.
Hot Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment.
3. SS Yongala, Queensland

The SS Yongala wreck is one of the best scuba diving experiences in Australia. This historic shipwreck, located off the coast of Townsville, lies at a depth of 30 meters. It is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including massive coral colonies, schools of tropical fish, and sharks.
Diving the Yongala is like entering an underwater city. The wreck is home to colorful corals, sponges, and a variety of marine creatures. Night dives here are especially magical, as the wreck comes alive with nocturnal species. The SS Yongala is a must-visit for wreck diving enthusiasts.
Hot Tip: Bring an underwater camera with good low-light performance to capture the vibrant marine life.
4. Port Douglas, Queensland

Port Douglas is known for its easy access to stunning dive sites like Agincourt Reef and Ribbon Reefs. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, swim through caves, and encounter diverse marine life. It’s a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and offers some of the best scuba diving in Australia.
Port Douglas also offers excellent dive training facilities and liveaboard options for those looking to explore further. The warm, clear waters make it an ideal location for both beginners and experienced divers. After a day of diving, you can relax in the charming town with its great restaurants and beautiful beaches.
Hot Tip: Utilize local dive shops for equipment rentals, guided dives, and insider tips on the best sites.
5. Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in Australia with their remote location and pristine marine environment. Located in the Indian Ocean, these islands are a hidden gem for divers seeking untouched coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Dive sites around the islands feature vibrant corals, sea turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of colorful fish. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater beauty. The Cocos Islands are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a tranquil diving adventure.
Hot Tip: Plan your trip well in advance as flights and accommodations are limited due to the islands’ remote location.
6. South West Rocks, New South Wales

South West Rocks is a fantastic destination for best scuba diving in Australia on the east coast. The area is famous for its stunning underwater scenery, including the historic SS Maheno wreck and the beautiful marine park. Divers can explore coral reefs, swim through tunnels, and encounter diverse marine life.
The SS Maheno wreck is a popular dive site, offering a glimpse into Australia’s maritime history. The surrounding reef is teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and occasional sharks. South West Rocks also offers excellent dive training facilities and a friendly diving community, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced divers.
Hot Tip: Always use appropriate safety gear, including buoyancy control devices and dive lights for exploring tunnels and wrecks.
7. Port Lincoln, South Australia

Port Lincoln is renowned for its exceptional diving opportunities, making it one of the best scuba diving in Australia locations. Located on the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln offers clear waters, abundant marine life, and unique dive sites. Divers can explore the incredible Port Lincoln Wrecks, including the spectacular MV Pyjama and HMAS Hobart.
Port Lincoln is also famous for its giant cuttlefish and great white sharks. The nearby Neptune Islands are a hotspot for cage diving with great whites, offering an adrenaline-filled experience. Whether you’re interested in wreck diving or encountering majestic marine predators, Port Lincoln has something for every diver.
Hot Tip: Book your shark cage diving experience with reputable operators to ensure safety and ethical interactions.
8. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best scuba diving destinations in Australia. Located in the Tasman Sea, this remote island offers crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse range of marine life. Divers can explore stunning underwater landscapes, including sea caves, tunnels, and coral gardens.
Lord Howe Island is home to an array of marine species, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and large pelagic species like manta rays and sharks. The island’s commitment to marine conservation ensures that its underwater environment remains pristine and protected. A dive at Lord Howe Island is a truly unforgettable experience.
Hot Tip: Be prepared for sudden weather changes and always dive within your comfort zone.
9. Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island is a popular diving destination and one of the best scuba diving spots in Australia. Located off the coast of Perth, this beautiful island offers clear waters, diverse marine life, and interesting dive sites. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, swim through sea caves, and encounter friendly sea creatures.
One of the highlights of diving at Rottnest Island is the opportunity to see the island’s famous quokkas in their natural habitat. The surrounding waters are home to colorful fish, octopus, and even friendly dolphins. Rottnest Island is perfect for a day trip, offering both excellent diving and a relaxing island atmosphere.
Hot Tip: Practice eco-friendly diving by avoiding contact with corals and marine life to help preserve the island’s underwater ecosystem.
10. Exmouth, Western Australia

Exmouth is a top destination for best scuba diving in Australia, located on the North West Cape of Western Australia. It serves as the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs. Divers can explore stunning coral formations, swim alongside whale sharks, and encounter manta rays.
Exmouth offers a variety of dive sites, including the famous Turquoise Bay, known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The nearby Yardie Creek is a unique spot where freshwater meets the ocean, creating a diverse ecosystem. Whether you’re looking for peaceful dives or exciting encounters with large marine species, Exmouth has it all.
Hot Tip: The sunny climate can be intense, so stay hydrated and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the marine environment.
11. Heron Island, Queensland

Heron Island is a premier destination for best scuba diving in Australia, located on the Great Barrier Reef. This remote island offers pristine dive sites, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore colorful coral gardens, swim with turtles, and encounter a variety of fish species.
Heron Island is also home to green sea turtles, which are a major attraction for divers. The island’s shallow waters make it ideal for beginners, while experienced divers can explore deeper sites and underwater caves. Staying on the island allows you to maximize your diving opportunities and enjoy the serene island environment.
Hot Tip: Respect the island’s wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and not feeding any animals.
12. Magnetic Island, Queensland

Magnetic Island is a fantastic spot for best scuba diving in Australia, located near the coast of Townsville. The island offers a variety of dive sites, including shipwrecks, coral reefs, and underwater tunnels. Divers can explore the stunning Magnetic Reef, known for its vibrant corals and diverse marine life.
Magnetic Island is also famous for its friendly dolphins and sea turtles. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater beauty. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches make it a perfect destination for a diving holiday.
Hot Tip: Take advantage of the island’s beautiful beaches for relaxing after a day of diving.
13. Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Jervis Bay is renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it one of the best scuba diving locations in Australia. Located on the south coast of New South Wales, Jervis Bay offers stunning dive sites with diverse underwater landscapes. Divers can explore kelp forests, rocky reefs, and sandy bottoms teeming with fish.
Jervis Bay is also home to beautiful shipwrecks, including the HMAS Adelaide, which lies in shallow waters perfect for divers of all levels. The area is known for its friendly marine creatures, including dolphins, seals, and colorful tropical fish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Jervis Bay has something to offer.
Pro Tip: Explore the kelp forests to see unique marine species and enjoy the serene underwater environment.
14. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is a unique destination for best scuba diving in Australia, offering pristine waters and diverse marine ecosystems. Located off the coast of South Australia, the island boasts stunning dive sites with vibrant coral reefs, kelp forests, and underwater cliffs. Divers can encounter a wide range of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and colorful fish.
One of the highlights of diving at Kangaroo Island is the chance to explore the island’s kelp forests, which provide a rich habitat for marine species. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery. Kangaroo Island’s remote location ensures that its marine environment remains untouched and pristine.
Hot Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive kelp forests and diverse marine species.
15. Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania offers some of the best scuba diving in Australia with its cool, clear waters and unique marine life. The island state is known for its pristine dive sites, including shipwrecks, reefs, and underwater caves. Divers can explore the stunning underwater landscapes and encounter a variety of marine species.
Tasmania’s diving spots are less crowded, providing a peaceful and unspoiled diving experience. The region is home to diverse marine life, including rare fish species, colorful corals, and fascinating invertebrates. Cold-water diving in Tasmania also offers the chance to see larger marine creatures, such as sea lions and occasionally migrating whales.
Hot Tip: Use a drysuit or appropriate thermal protection to stay warm in Tasmania’s cooler waters.
16. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

The Whitsunday Islands are a top destination for best scuba diving in Australia, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This stunning archipelago offers clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Divers can explore famous sites like Cod Hole, where you can swim with friendly potato cod and the stunning Heart Reef.
The Whitsundays are perfect for both novice and experienced divers, offering a range of dive sites with varying levels of difficulty. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the colorful coral formations and diverse marine species. After a day of diving, you can relax on the pristine beaches or enjoy the lively island atmosphere.
Hot Tip: Book a tour to see the iconic Heart Reef from above, and combine it with a nearby dive site for a full-day adventure.
17. Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney is not just famous for its iconic landmarks but also for its excellent diving spots, making it one of the best scuba diving locations in Australia. The area offers a variety of dive sites, from rocky reefs to shipwrecks. Popular spots include the legendary wreck of the HMAS Sydney, which lies in shallow waters and is accessible to divers of all levels.
Sydney’s marine life is diverse, with sightings of colorful fish, octopus, and even sharks. The nearby Bare Island offers unique underwater landscapes and historical sites, providing a fascinating diving experience. With its vibrant city life and excellent diving opportunities, Sydney is a perfect destination for urban explorers and marine enthusiasts alike.
Hot Tip: Ensure your diving certification is current and consider taking advanced courses for deeper or more challenging dives.
18. Fraser Island, Queensland

Fraser Island is a unique destination, known for its clear waters and diverse marine ecosystems. Located off the coast of Queensland, the island offers stunning dive sites with vibrant coral reefs, underwater cliffs, and sandy bottoms. Divers can explore the beautiful marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays.
One of the highlights of diving at Fraser Island is the opportunity to explore the island’s pristine underwater landscapes. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the underwater beauty. Fraser Island’s remote location ensures that its marine environment remains untouched and pristine, offering a truly unforgettable diving experience.
Hot Tip: Explore a mix of coral reefs, underwater cliffs, and sandy bottoms to experience diverse marine habitats.
19. Broome, Western Australia

Broome is a fantastic destination for best scuba diving in Australia, offering clear waters, diverse marine life, and unique dive sites. Located on the Kimberley coast, Broome is famous for its stunning coral reefs and underwater landscapes. Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens, swim through sea caves, and encounter a variety of marine species.
One of the most popular dive sites in Broome is the Schanck Point, known for its colorful corals and abundant fish. The nearby Dampier Archipelago offers even more dive opportunities, with sites featuring shipwrecks, reefs, and underwater tunnels. Broome’s warm waters and excellent visibility make it a perfect destination for divers of all levels.
Hot Tip: Use a compass or dive with a buddy to navigate the complex underwater tunnels and reefs.
20. Apollo Bay, Victoria

Apollo Bay, located on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, is an emerging spot for best scuba diving in Australia. Known for its stunning coastal scenery, Apollo Bay also offers excellent diving opportunities with its cool, clear waters and diverse marine life. Divers can explore underwater kelp forests, rocky reefs, and vibrant coral gardens.
One of the highlights of diving in Apollo Bay is the chance to see unique species adapted to the cooler waters, such as the leafy sea dragon and various types of octopus. The area also features several shipwrecks, providing exciting opportunities for wreck diving. Apollo Bay’s combination of beautiful underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity makes it a must-visit destination for divers looking to explore Victoria’s coastal waters.
Hot Tip: Weather and sea conditions can change quickly. Always check the forecast and water conditions before diving. Calm seas provide better visibility and safer diving conditions.
Best Scuba Diving in Australia – Summary
Australia is undeniably one of the best destinations for scuba diving in the world. With its diverse range of dive sites, from the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the hidden gems like the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Lord Howe Island, there’s something for every diver. Whether you’re seeking vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, or encounters with majestic marine life, Australia has it all.
Each of these top 20 spots offers a unique diving experience, ensuring that your underwater adventures are memorable and exhilarating.
So, pack your gear and get ready to explore the incredible underwater world that makes Australia a top destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.
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