Barrier Reef Recommendations

[andrewk529]

I'm currently planning a dive trip to Australia for a few weeks. I'm looking for personal experiences and recommendations for tour companies and dive locations. My interests are coral diversity and intact ecosystems. thanks in advance for the info :thumbsup:

 

[scotter]

I see no one's responded to your request. Sorry. I know there are people who've been to the GBR who subscribe to RC, but most focus is on the SPS forum site, not this one. Regardless, I can tell you from Aussie friends that Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs (#1-10) are worth investigating, but they are only reachable by liveaboard. The reefs are about 60 miles north of Cairns. You also might try reaching out to EDR42 who submitted the great GBR photographs (see first post in this forum). EDR42 is obviously an expert, having lived and studied the Reef. You might also ask if the dive sites near Townsville are better than the ones accessible through Cairns since they are closer to the Coral Triangle (you can also dive the S.S. Yongala from Townsville).
Have a great trip!
Scott

PS Depending upon how much time you have, Australia is also the transit country for the Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and PNG. If you take Air Pacific to Australia, you can do an extended layover in Fiji.

 

[andrewk529]

I see no one's responded to your request. Sorry. I know there are people who've been to the GBR who subscribe to RC, but most focus is on the SPS forum site, not this one. Regardless, I can tell you from Aussie friends that Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs (#1-10) are worth investigating, but they are only reachable by liveaboard. The reefs are about 60 miles north of Cairns. You also might try reaching out to EDR42 who submitted the great GBR photographs (see first post in this forum). EDR42 is obviously an expert, having lived and studied the Reef. You might also ask if the dive sites near Townsville are better than the ones accessible through Cairns since they are closer to the Coral Triangle (you can also dive the S.S. Yongala from Townsville).
Have a great trip!
Scott

PS Depending upon how much time you have, Australia is also the transit country for the Solomons, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and PNG. If you take Air Pacific to Australia, you can do an extended layover in Fiji.

i appreciate all of the info..thanks again!

 

[scotter]

Glad to help, if but a little.

 

[andrewk529]

Glad to help, if but a little.

you did, i already had zeroed in on cairns, and one of the overnight dive expeditions. the recommendations for the actual dive sites is a significant help. i'll be in contact with the member you also suggested. i didn't think of the proximity to new caledonia, that's an area i've always been interested in.

 

[criccio]

Here's a site that might help out... http://www.underwater.com.au/

 

[andrewk529]

Here's a site that might help out... http://www.underwater.com.au/

cool,thanks

 

[ovakil]

If you want to do shore diving with lots SPS,go to Bowen.Either Horse shoe bay or Murray bay.Lot's of life there.
Or you can go to Bagara beach at Bunderberg.
Or if you are visiting Brisbane & weather is good can take you out on my boat.
Cheers