17 Dive Sites / 3 Resorts / 2 Shops
Diving in Australia offers a diverse range of experiences for every underwater enthusiast. With 17 recorded dive sites, you'll find plenty to explore, from vibrant coral gardens to fascinating wreck dives. The waters here are renowned for their incredible biodiversity, promising encounters with a wide array of marine life, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagics. Whether you're a beginner looking for calm, shallow reefs or an experienced diver seeking thrilling adventures, Australia's underwater world provides compelling opportunities.
The diving infrastructure in Australia is well-developed, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. You'll find support from 4 dedicated dive resorts, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to the best dive spots. These resorts often provide a full range of services, including guided dives and equipment rental, making it easy to plan your underwater excursions. Additionally, 3 dive shops are available to cater to all your gear needs, from sales to servicing, and often act as hubs for local dive information and excursions.
Exploring Australia's dive sites means immersing yourself in an environment rich with natural beauty. The variety of sites ensures that each dive can offer a unique perspective on the marine ecosystem. While specific named sites are yet to be detailed, the sheer number available suggests a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The combination of numerous dive sites and comprehensive support from local resorts and shops makes Australia an exceptional destination for divers seeking both adventure and convenience. Prepare to be captivated by the underwater wonders that await you in this remarkable country.
Monthly diving conditions and seasonal highlights
Hover over a month to see detailed conditions, temperatures, and marine life highlights
Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo coast offer remarkable diving. June to October provides optimal visibility and unique encounters like minke whales.
Scroll horizontally to compare all dive sites.
| Hastings Reef Cairns | Michaelmas Cay Cairns | Flynn Reef Cairns | Norman Reef Cairns | Challenger Bay Ribbon Reefs | Bait Reef — Stepping Stones Whitsundays | Lighthouse Bommie Ribbon Reefs | Cod Hole Ribbon Reefs | Pixie Pinnacle Ribbon Reefs | Blue Wonder Port Douglas | False Entrance Coral Sea | SS Yongala Townsville | Around the Bend Coral Sea | Admiralty Anchor Coral Sea | Steve's Bommie Ribbon Reefs | North Horn Coral Sea | The Cathedral Coral Sea | |
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| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Max depth | 20 m | 20 m | 25 m | 25 m | 20 m | 25 m | 30 m | 32 m | 40 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 32 m | 35 m | 35 m | 40 m | 40 m |
| Access | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented |
| Documented months | May – Nov | May – Nov | May – Nov | Apr – Nov | Jan – Dec | May – Oct | Jan – Dec | Jan – Dec | Jan – Dec | May – Nov | Sep – Jan | May – Nov | Sep – Jan | Sep – Jan | Jan – Dec | Sep – Jan | Sep – Jan |
| Highlights | Reefcoral-gardendrop-offboat_traffic | Reefcoral-gardenbommieboat_traffic | Reefdrop-offcoral-gardenboat_traffic | ReefDriftdrop-offcurrentsurge | Reefcoral-gardenboat_trafficdepth | Pinnaclebommiedrop-offcurrentdepth | Pinnaclebommiecurrentdepth | Reefcoral-gardencurrentboat_traffic | Pinnaclebommiecurrentdepth | Walldrop-offcoral-gardendepthcurrentdecompression_obligation | swim-throughdrop-offbommiestrong_currentdepthdecompression_obligation | WreckDriftstrong_currentdepth | WallDriftdrop-offdepthcurrentdecompression_obligation | swim-throughReefbommiestrong_currentdepthdecompression_obligation | Pinnaclebommiedepthcurrentdangerous_marine_life | Walldrop-offReefdangerous_marine_lifecurrentdecompression_obligation | Walldrop-offdepthcurrentdecompression_obligation |
8 photos from dive sites
BeginnerAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Cairns
Norman Reef: A Great Barrier Reef Gem near Cairns Prepare for an unforgettable intermediate diving experience at Norman Reef, a classic Outer Great Barrier Reef dive site nestled on the continental shelf, approximately 70-80 kilometers off the coast of Cairns. This renowned destination offers exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, making it a staple for day boats and liveaboards alike.…
AdvancedAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Townsville
SS Yongala: Australia's Premier Wreck Dive Prepare for an extraordinary underwater adventure at the SS Yongala, consistently ranked as one of Australia's best dive sites and often cited among the top wreck dives in the world. This iconic dive site offers an unparalleled combination of history, mystery, and an explosion of marine life, making it a bucket-list destination for advanced…
IntermediateAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Ribbon Reefs
Cod Hole (Ribbon Reefs) Welcome to Cod Hole, a world-renowned dive site on Ribbon Reef #10, near Lizard Island, that truly defines the Great Barrier Reef liveaboard experience. This iconic location, made famous by pioneering photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor in the 1970s, offers an unparalleled opportunity for close encounters with magnificent marine life. Diving Conditions and Site Features Cod…
AdvancedAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Ribbon Reefs
Steve's Bommie (Ribbon Reefs) Prepare for an unforgettable experience at Steve's Bommie, one of the most celebrated and photographed dive sites on the Ribbon Reefs. This dramatic coral pinnacle, named after diving pioneer Steve Domm, rises majestically from a sandy bottom at approximately 28 to 30 meters, soaring to within just 3 to 5 meters of the surface. It's a…
AdvancedAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Coral Sea
Around the Bend (Coral Sea) Prepare for an exhilarating advanced dive at Around the Bend , a premier dive site nestled on the western side of Osprey Reef. This isolated Coral Sea atoll, located roughly 350 km northeast of Cairns, is exclusively accessible via multi-night liveaboard expeditions, offering a truly remote and pristine diving experience. We consider this dive site…
AdvancedAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Coral Sea
North Horn (Coral Sea) As the undisputed signature dive site of Osprey Reef, North Horn stands as a pinnacle for advanced divers seeking unparalleled pelagic encounters in the remote Coral Sea. Located at the northernmost tip of Osprey Reef, this dive site is renowned globally for its dramatic topography and the sheer density of its shark population. Accessible only via…
AdvancedAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Coral Sea
The Cathedral (Holmes Reef, Coral Sea) Venturing to The Cathedral at Holmes Reef offers an unparalleled experience in the remote Coral Sea, roughly 250 km east of Cairns and about 280 km south of Osprey Reef. This dive site is a testament to the wild, untouched beauty of Australia's outer reefs, accessible only via liveaboard expeditions. A Dive into the…
IntermediateAustralia > Great Barrier Reef > Whitsundays
Bait Reef — Stepping Stones (Whitsundays) Prepare for an unforgettable intermediate dive experience at Bait Reef's iconic Stepping Stones, a signature dive site roughly 65 km northeast of Airlie Beach within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This dive site is renowned for its unique topography and abundant marine life, making it a highlight for divers exploring the Whitsundays' outer…
Nearest airports and common travel routes
Travel time: 20 minutes to dive boat departures for Great Barrier Reef
Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, Tokyo, and Bali
Travel time: Connecting flights to regional dive destinations
Major international hub with flights from all world regions
Entry requirements for traveling to Australia
Most visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or eVisitor visa before arrival.
Approximate prices in AUD (A$) with approximate USD equivalents
Australia has 17 dive sites listed on Diveity, spread across 1 area within the location.
Conditions vary by season and by site, so there's no single answer for the whole location. Check each dive site's page for depth, visibility, and current details, or ask a local dive shop or resort in Australia for current-season advice.
Sites in Australia range from shallow reefs and shore entries to walls, wrecks, and drift dives, depending on the specific location. Browse the site list to compare depth, visibility, and marine life before you pick where to dive.
Most dive sites call for at least an Open Water certification, and some deeper or more advanced sites require further training. Dive shops and resorts in Australia can also arrange courses if you are not yet certified.
Australia is a diving country with 17 dive sites to explore.
You'll find 3 dive resorts and 2 dive shops serving the area.
Browse diving across 1 area within Australia.
Plan your trip with verified dive sites, resorts, and shops on Diveity.
17
Dive Sites
3
Dive Resorts
2
Dive Shops
Australia/Sydney
Timezone
Visa requirements can change. Always verify current entry requirements with the official embassy or consulate before traveling. Last updated: March 2026.
| Open Water Course | A$700~$452 USD | A$950~$613 USD | A$1,600~$1,032 USD |
| Equipment Rental (full set/day) | A$50~$32 USD | A$90~$58 USD | A$150~$97 USD |
| Accommodation (per night) | A$80~$52 USD | A$250~$161 USD | A$800~$516 USD |
Australia has higher costs compared to Southeast Asia but offers world-class reef diving. Liveaboard trips to the outer reef cost more.
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