Joanna James
Your diving and snorkelling trip to Australia doesn't necessarily have to be limited to the Great Barrier Reef. All over Australia, there are places that offer you the best water sports experience.
This historic shipwreck site offers more than the Great Barrier Reef does. Discovered in 1958, the ship was sunk in 1911, and more than 50% of the ship still remains to be intact. Positioned 14-28 meters below, Steam Ship Yongala Wreck fascinates divers with its historic and ancient demeanour. If you take a day trip, it'll allow you to have two diving sessions on the same day. There are many Townville Australia hotels positioned not too far away from the wreck in case you are concerned about accommodation – one of such hotels is Oaks Gateway on Palmer. Also, there are dive boats available daily from Magnetic Island, Townsville and Palm Islands.
Usually, when it comes to diving and snorkelling in Australia, the first thing that comes to anyone's mind is the Great Barrier Reef. With a vast range of dive spots spread over the 2,300 km stretch, the reef is sufficiently equipped with colourful corals. You can drive down from Cairns and Port Douglas, which is not a long drive. Heron Island has much to offer with more than ten dive sites made resplendent by vividly hued fish and coral. If you hop down to Lady Elliot Island, it will give you the chance to swim alongside manta rays.
With coral reefs fringing the bays of the eastern side, Magnetic Island boasts the clearest water on the eastern side. There are also two shipwrecks which are attractive to a variety of marine creatures. Among the most popular spots are Florence Bay, Arthur Bay and Alma Bay.
This is the most convenient dive spot if you are lodged in Townsville. There are many dive sites, as is the case with outer reefs. You have nothing to worry about where your safety is concerned; an experienced dive boat operator usually selects the dive. There are coral bommies adorning the seafloor and deep gullies that mark the walls of the terrain. Divers can enjoy their time underwater among large groups of colourful fish. The depth of this site ranges from 1m to 20m, and it is a safe spot for diving, especially if you are a beginner. Clownfish, Maori wrasse, turtles and reef sharks will be your diving companions.
Located 800 meters away from Orpheus Island, Pelorus Island touts an unperturbed environment. Visitors can get to the island on a dive tour or by boat. There is a reef that fringes the island which divers can access straight off the beach. In addition to diving, the island is an excellent place for camping – in case you decide to go camping, make sure you take all the necessary equipment, especially water as you get no access to fresh water.
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