When people say they want to dive Australia, what they usually mean is that they want to scuba dive Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest and healthiest coral reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is the only living structure on earth that can be seen from outer space. Made up of nearly 2900 individual reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays, it’s the world’s largest single structure comprised of living organisms. Every day divers from around the world visit the reef either on liveaboards or day charters. Divers revere the reef for its biodiversity and the local aboriginal peoples hold it as a sacred component of their spirituality. It’s fitting reverence for a truly magical place.
Best Scuba Diving Spots in Great Barrier Reef
Ribbon Reefs, Northern Great Barrier Reef
Osprey Reef
SS Yongala
The Whitsundays
Heron Island
HMAS Brisbane
Great Barrier Reef Sea Life
Everything from dwarf minke whales, sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, carpet sharks, sea snakes, cuttlefish, bumphead parrotfish, leopard moray eels, potato cod and macro life. It’s the world’s largest reef system so you can truly expect to see a bit of just about everything.
How To Get There
Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville Airports receive international flights. Smaller regional airports service the smaller cities and the reef islands.