I'm planning a trip to Australia, I will be there around 3-4 weeks Near the end on June and begining of August. Were planning on being in Syndey for about a week and a half then Western Australia (not sure where) for 3-4 days then we plan on diving in the North east for about a week. We are taking the cert. class beginning of June and plan on buying our own equipment. However I dont know how much I will use it after the trip. Thats about as much as I know about diving. From what I've read buying online is very skechy. I'm also wondering which places to visit.
Diving in Australia Need some help
- Thread starter rodd1rj
- Start date
rmougey
Chair, MACNA 2014
Diving options abound in Australia:
Sydney:
- Manly for Weedy Sea Dragons
- Shelly Beach Weedys plus docile sharks
Perth:
- Rottnest Island and the HMS Swan
Monkey Mia (North of Perth):
- Dolphins that have learned to be tolerant of divers and snorkelers.
Exmouth (North of Monkey Mia):
- Ningaloo Reef
- Whale sharks are showing up in June/July!
Broome:
- Rowley Shoals
Cairns:
- Dayboats to the Barrier Reef
- 3 day+ liveaboards off Lizard Island is better
- Minke Whales are migrating May/June
There is also good diving in Brisbane and north around the Whitsundy Islands.
It's the wrong season to try the Great Southern Ocean... though I must admit I've never found the desire to climb into a shark cage and watch Great Whites!
-Rob
Sydney:
- Manly for Weedy Sea Dragons
- Shelly Beach Weedys plus docile sharks
Perth:
- Rottnest Island and the HMS Swan
Monkey Mia (North of Perth):
- Dolphins that have learned to be tolerant of divers and snorkelers.
Exmouth (North of Monkey Mia):
- Ningaloo Reef
- Whale sharks are showing up in June/July!
Broome:
- Rowley Shoals
Cairns:
- Dayboats to the Barrier Reef
- 3 day+ liveaboards off Lizard Island is better
- Minke Whales are migrating May/June
There is also good diving in Brisbane and north around the Whitsundy Islands.
It's the wrong season to try the Great Southern Ocean... though I must admit I've never found the desire to climb into a shark cage and watch Great Whites!
-Rob
maractwin
Premium Member
I'd recommend you not buy a full set of dive gear. Just get a mask, fins & snorkel (probably required for your class), and your own wetsuit so that it fits well. Rent everything else. That way you're not out so much money if you don't keep diving. And if you do, you'll have the experience from using rental gear to have a better idea of what you like when you go shopping.
-Mark
-Mark
darkmuncan
New member
Well you picked the coldest time of year to come Visit 
expect Sydney water to be about 60-70° that time of year.
There are lots of great spots in and around Sydney harbour. Shelley Beach (1 beach south of Manly) is a great spot for beginners, as it maxes out at about 50ft and there is always plenty to see. Very sheltered from the weather too.
There are alot of dive charter places around if you wanted to get offshore and do any wreck or deeper dives.
as was mentioned, if you are just starting, I recommend getting a good set of fins/mask/snorkel/2 piece wet suit and hire the rest locally.
however 4 weeks of hired gear, and you've almost paid for 1/2 the gear anyway, so its up to you
Some great diving in Coffs Harbour (4 hours drive /1hr flight north of sydney) and around the Solitary Islands - Dive tours operate out of Coffs Harbour.
Cant comment on Western Australia, but Cairns has LOADS of dive charter boats to get you out on the reefs.
Good Luck!
Mark
expect Sydney water to be about 60-70° that time of year.
There are lots of great spots in and around Sydney harbour. Shelley Beach (1 beach south of Manly) is a great spot for beginners, as it maxes out at about 50ft and there is always plenty to see. Very sheltered from the weather too.
There are alot of dive charter places around if you wanted to get offshore and do any wreck or deeper dives.
as was mentioned, if you are just starting, I recommend getting a good set of fins/mask/snorkel/2 piece wet suit and hire the rest locally.
however 4 weeks of hired gear, and you've almost paid for 1/2 the gear anyway, so its up to you
Some great diving in Coffs Harbour (4 hours drive /1hr flight north of sydney) and around the Solitary Islands - Dive tours operate out of Coffs Harbour.
Cant comment on Western Australia, but Cairns has LOADS of dive charter boats to get you out on the reefs.
Good Luck!
Mark
