General Information
Australia is probably the destination in the world with the biggest diversity of divesites, fauna and flora.
Diving Australia is worth it on liveaboard boats and from land based diving centers. In the coral sea you can experience such different kinds of diving in one week that you would need a few years diving around the world to find all these situations. The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, about 2011 km (1250 mi) is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. The diving along the great barrier is well developed. Everybody from beginners who want to learn to dive until advanced and very experienced divers in search of new adventures will find their pleasure.
One of the world’s most famous reefs, the Great Barrier Reef offers something for every diver.
Off the northeast coast of Australia, you’ll find approachable and abundant marine life like moray eels, sea turtles and bumphead wrasse. If you’re lucky, you may also see some sharks in action, manta rays and even a weedy scorpionfish. You may also spot psychedelic neon pink, green and yellow giant clams.
Douglas Adams once said space is big. Well so is Australia! Being such a big (massive!) place, weather and diving will vary dramatically, so do contact local dive centres to where you intend to dive.
Climate
The average air temperature ranges on the coast from 8°C (46°F) to 32°C (89°F)
Average water surface again varies alot depending on where your dive, anywhere from 6°C (43°F) to 32°C (89°F)
The coldest time is June and July, with the warmest being December and January
Getting There & Around
Virtually all visitors to Australia arrive by air. The main international airports are Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, followed by Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns. There are plenty of connections to Asia, Europe and the USA, but Australia’s remoteness makes flights relatively expensive and long. Many flights are heavily booked, so make plans well in advance. Departure tax on international flights is 27.00. This tax is usually included in the price of your airline ticket.
With distances between cities so great, flying is the most favoured and speedy option, although buses and trains provide a more scenic, if lengthy alternative. Within the major cities, you will find thorough and convenient rail and bus systems.
Map
Diving
It’s possible to dive all year round in Australia. The best time to dive, when conditions are usually best are from late August to early December. The tropical monsoon season is January to March and cyclones which can occur then make your stay a little more challenging!
The strongest winds are usually between May and August.
A good point to note is that West coast whale sharks congregate at Ningaloo Reef during March and April.
Visibility can range dramatically depending on the climate, dive site and so on, anywhere fom 10m to 60m.
Never dived in Australia but hope to in two years time .