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Liveaboard Diving in Australia
Diving in Australia is literally immersing yourself in an underwater paradise.
Liveaboard diving in Australia is a must for many divers', and when anyone considers Australia as their next holiday destination, it's impossible to overlook what is on offer underwater. With a coastline of over 25 000 kilometres, much of it in tropical and sub tropical waters, the 'lucky country' is blessed with outstanding diving, guaranteed to please all levels from a novice up to the most experienced.The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Queensland is deservedly on many people's bucket list, with countless stunning reefs to explore from the many dive tours available from Cairns and the surrounding area.
The best way to truly appreciate the World's largest reef system, is to set sail on one of many Cairns based liveaboards, which will propel you to areas of the outer reef, allowing you to avoid the sometimes crowded inner reef, and view beautiful unspoilt coral and a wide variety of stunning marine life. Dive cruises from Cairns will also take you to parts of the GBR situated in the aptly named Coral Sea, where the visibility (on average well over 40 metres) and diversity is simply breathtaking. Then there is the wreck of the SS Yongala, widely recognised as one of the World's best dive sites, combining history with marine life to an unparalleled level.
The main draw is of course the GBR, however Australian diving and indeed liveaboard diving, is not limited to this corner of the country. Many divers head to the opposite coast in Western Australia, where the diving opportunities are again almost endless. Liveaboards here make it possible to dive the less well known and remote areas of Mermaid and Clerke Reefs in the Rowley Shoals, allowing access to some of the most pristine and thrilling marine parks in the country.
Liveaboard Dive Trips in Australia
Liveaboard.com offers a wide variety of vessels in Australia, from modern purpose built dive boats to sleek, fast catamarans. Each boat has it's own unique feel, ranging from 24m to 37m, able to host 20-48 guests. They all include A/C. and electricity, and several of our boats feature free internet, but please do check this prior to booking.
Itineraries range from 3 day/2 night trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, to the all encompassing 8 day/7 night tours which will sail you through much of what Queensland has to offer. Some itineraries even include a return scenic flight, allowing you to witness the route you have taken from the air.
Tours start in the early morning of the first day, and most operators offer a complimentary pick up from your accommodation. In order to ensure maximum safety and comfort, the first dive is often a 'check' dive, enabling the crew to establish the group and individuals diving level, and from there tailor the trip to cater for everyone's needs. Don't worry though, even this first dive will be on a beautiful and unspoilt reef, giving you a taster of what to expect in the following few days! Diving from an Australian liveaboard will introduce you to the vast biodiversity not found near shore, and regularly includes sightings of families of Potato Cod, Grey and Silver Tip Whaler Sharks, Hammerheads, Manta Rays, Humpback Whales, and Maori Wrasse, along with a stunning array of hard and soft corals. Depending on your choice of dive cruise, you may even be able to partake in Minke Whale monitoring!
Every effort is made to accommodate individual requests and often itineraries can be adapted to include extra sites - although as always the crew will adhere to strict safety standards, and so each trip will depend on weather conditions and diver experience.
Dive Sites And Areas of Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is the World's largest coral reef system and the largest living organism, stretching for 2300km along the coast of Queensland. It consists of over 2900 reefs and 900 islands, including the stunning sites of Osprey Reef, Ribbon Reef, Milln Reef, Flynn Reef, Cod Hole, Lizard Island, Bougainville Reef, North Horn and the SS Yongala wreck. Most of these locations are only accessible via a liveaboard tour, departing from the port of Cairns.
Osprey Reef is in the Coral Sea section of the GBR, and accessible via liveaboard from Cairns. Famous for it's 40m+ visibility, the reef features many small caverns and swim throughs, and almost guaranteed sitings of several shark species at North Horn.
Ribbon Reef is actually a 175km line of 10 individual reefs lying to the north of Cairns, which are quite isolated and so only reachable via a few liveaboards. These reefs offer sheltered warm waters, and due to their remoteness are in pristine condition.
Milln Reef is located around 60km offshore from Cairns, and includes 3 large coral pillars known as the three sisters. The area is great for both snorkelling and diving, and where possible your crew may arrange a night dive for you, where you'll likely see sleeping turtles and crabs.
Flynn Reef offers diving for all levels of diver, and is best known for it's coral garden - one of Australia's finest, featuring a stunning array of hard and soft coral.
Cod Hole allows you to get close to the huge but friendly and docile Potato Cod which have a habit of posing for the camera! Other attractions here include Maori Wrasse and Moray Eels. This dive site is located at the very north of the Ribbon Reefs, and will often form part of a Ribbon Reef liveaboard.
Lizard Island is an island of unspoilt national park and the most northerly resort on the GBR. Often our liveaboards will involve a scenic reef flight either from Cairns at the start, or back to Cairns from Lizard Island.
Western Australia diving is is arguably as spectacular as that on the East Coast, and may interest those divers interested in a less visited area of the planet. To access the truly unspoilt Clerke Reef and Mermaid Reef in the Rowley Shoals, liveaboards leave from the town of Broome in the North West of the state.
Rowley Shoals are a series of 3 coral shelf atolls 250km west of Broome, and attracts divers from all over due to their uniqueness. Along with their stunning coral gardens, there are over 650 species of fish, many of which are not found near the shore, and so only possible to be viewed from the luxury of a liveaboard boat.
When To Go
Diving on the GBR is great all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 24c in the winter (July/August) to 30c in summer (December/January). Minke and Humpback whales can be seen between June and November, whereas the summer months offer the best visibility and warmest waters to take advantage of the array of life on the reef.
The best time to visit the Rowley Shoals in Western Australia is between September and December, and because diving via liveaboard is the only way to explore these pristine reefs, early booking is advised.
Tips For Travellers
- English is the native language in Australia, although many liveaboard operators have crew who are capable of communicating in many common languages.
- Local currency is the Australian Dollar, and most major international credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs readily available (although not on board!)
- Electricity is supplied via 3 pronged sockets, of 230 volts (50Hz) - make sure you acquire the correct adaptor!
- Most liveaboards can rent full equipment, but you will be required to bring your certification and log book as part of the safety protocol.
How To Get There And Ports Of Departure
The vast majority of liveaboards to the GBR and Coral Sea, depart from and return to Cairns. Conveniently, Cairns has an international airport which is serviced by many carriers, offering direct flights to a huge number of international destinations. In the unlikely event you are unable to fly directly to Cairns, there are regular daily domestic flights from the well known hubs of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
On the West Coast Broome is the main port for liveaboard trips to the Rowley Shoals and associated reefs. Due to it's remoteness, direct international flights are less common. It does have an international airport serving a handful of destinations, but it is more likely that you will fly into the state capital of Perth, where you can easily catch a connecting flight to Broome.
Cairns and Broome are both holiday destinations in their own right, each offering world class hotels and resorts. From Cairns, there is easy access to the stunning tropical Daintree rainforest and waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands (Peter Andre filmed his famous 'Mysterious Girl' video here!).
Broome is on the edge of the world famous Kimberley region, one of the most remote and spectacular areas in the world.
Considerations
Australia diving liveaboards cater for all types of traveller, from the budget conscious through to the luxurious, with prices ranging from around US$150-300 per person, per day/night. Please check with your chosen operator for any extra charges, as some areas of Australia require marine park fees, reef taxes, port fees, a fuel levy, and an environmental management charge.
Australia requires most international visitors to have a passport with 6 months validity, and also a valid visa. Please visit https://www.border.gov.au to find out how to obtain the correct visa.
As always, appropriate travel insurance should be purchased prior to travelling.
Australia Diving Reviews
- 9.3 Superb
- 330 Verified Reviews
very good dive experience Osprey reef was the highlight of the dive experience
Diving Australia in September on the Spirit of Freedom
Really great! Must be done again!
Diving Australia in December on the Ocean Quest
Overall it was an wonderful experience. Will definitely do it again.
Diving Australia in November on the Ocean Quest
Australia was amazing. Very clean & friendly.
Diving Australia in November on the Spoilsport
Beyond all my expectations!!!
Diving Australia in November on the Pro Dive Cairns
Safe and inspiring
Diving Australia in October on the Spoilsport
Always memorable and breathtaking 😌
Diving Australia in October on the Ocean Quest
Happy to have had the opportunity to dive the GBR it was a great experience!
Diving Australia in October on the Ocean Quest
I loved the diving, and the knowledge/ passion of the crew for the gbr
Diving Australia in September on the Ocean Quest
Wonderful- very exciting and relaxing!
Diving Australia in September on the Ocean Quest
Australia diving was great, they are very strict with safety and check you multiple times to see if you made it onboard. Had to pay a reef tax, but that is to help ensure the reef stays healthy.
Diving Australia in September on the Pro Dive Cairns
Great. I will do that again!
Diving Australia in September on the Spoilsport
Exceeded my wildest dreams!
Diving Australia in September on the Ocean Quest
Loved it..this trip was more than we imagined...
Diving Australia in September on the ScubaPro II
very well mastered, organized by the crew, thus it was very professionnal the dive spots are just unbelievable and allow us to have an impressive overview of the GBR
Diving Australia in August on the Spirit of Freedom
All we hoped for. Rough waters on first day was tough but after that... smooth sailing. We will be back.
Diving Australia in August on the Spoilsport
Australia is an amazing spot to dive in! Definitely in my top 3
Diving Australia in August on the Pro Dive Cairns
Unbelievable! Wish I had brought my GoPro
Diving Australia in August on the Pro Dive Cairns
It's been a great trip and I'd definitely like to return
Diving Australia in August on the Pro Dive Cairns
Really enjoyed diving in the Down Under.
Diving Australia in August on the Ocean Quest
Outer reef was wonderful.
Diving Australia in July on the Coral Sea Dreaming
Great experience! Best diving I’ve ever done.
Diving Australia in July on the Coral Sea Dreaming
Fantastic - lots of variation of corals and fish. We saw turtles and reef sharks.
Diving Australia in July on the Pro Dive Cairns
Loved it - would highly recommend, but not the best diving I’ve ever had.
Diving Australia in July on the Pro Dive Cairns
Beautiful corals with minimal current and tons of biodiversity.
Diving Australia in July on the Ocean Quest
Fantastic! Can't wait to go again and explore more of the outer reefs.
Diving Australia in July on the Spoilsport
It was wonderful! Our first experience diving just with our buddy and relying on the compass but an unforgettable adventure for sure and very different from our typical Caribbean diving!
Diving Australia in July on the Pro Dive Cairns
I really enjoyed the diving. I am going to book another trip before the end of the year to see more of what Australia has to offer. I hear Osprey Reef is a great site.
Diving Australia in June on the Spoilsport
Wouldn’t change a thing (but the weather)
Diving Australia in July on the Ocean Quest
It was a nice experience. I want to go back
Diving Australia in June on the Spirit of Freedom
Overall snorkeling experience was great.
Diving Australia in June on the Coral Sea Dreaming
Excellent from booking to being dropped off at the end of the trip every thing was excellent
Diving Australia in June on the ScubaPro III
It was an awesome experience to do snorkels!
Diving Australia in June on the Spoilsport
Beautiful coral and plentiful marine life.
Diving Australia in June on the Spoilsport
Fantastic and fun.
Diving Australia in June on the Ocean Quest
Absolutely amazing, more than I could ever ask for
Diving Australia in June on the Ocean Quest
Hard to repeat as the boat was so friendly and great atmosphere.
Diving Australia in May on the Coral Sea Dreaming
I love diving in Australia.
Diving Australia in May on the Coral Sea Dreaming
Add it to your bucket list!
Diving Australia in April on the Spoilsport
Excellent. Would definitely recommend.
Diving Australia in May on the ScubaPro III
It was a great trip, but not sure it was worth the extra cost and enormous distance traveled to the far north.
Diving Australia in October on the Spoilsport
Best location to dive that I've ever been lucky enough to do.
Diving Australia in May on the Pro Dive Cairns
The same as 13 years ago, but unfortunately, the ocean water is polluted and this is not good for nobody - we should take more care of the ocean
Diving Australia in May on the Ocean Quest
Absolutely fantastic - great people.
Diving Australia in April on the ScubaPro III
Loved it - the colours of the fish and coral, so relaxing
Diving Australia in April on the ScubaPro I
excellent
Diving Australia in May on the ScubaPro III
I would definitely recommend it, it was a great experience, we felt safe, we ate great and had the most wonderful diving and snorkeling experience.
Diving Australia in April on the ScubaPro II
Our third trip with Spirit of Freedom ... well worth the trip from Canada... we will be back!!
Diving Australia in April on the Spirit of Freedom
It was a very pleasant experience ; I had really a memorable time
Diving Australia in April on the Pro Dive Cairns
It was an experience of a lifetime that we would highly recommend to everyone!
Diving Australia in May on the Spoilsport
It was amazing and unforgettable experience, specially night diving with sharks (i did 2).
Diving Australia in April on the Spirit of Freedom
The crew busted their butts to give us a great experience. I am prefer guided dives so I can focus on the site rather than paying attention to navigation, etc., but we did it. We had a great time.
Diving Australia in April on the ScubaPro I
I dove in 3 places - Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay and Gold Coast. The Great Barrier is amazing for it's size. It's crazy to be in such an huge reef. But you don't see as many wild life as Byron Bay and Gold Coast. Not so much and not so big. Both Byron and GC I saw huge turtles (really), a lot of sharks (bigger then the reef) and even a mantaray. I would recommend both Great Barrier and Byron/GC.
Diving Australia in March on the Ocean Quest
Had a great time... met some new friends and saw some awesome sites such as over 40 Bumphead parrot fish, a Goliath grouper, sharks and turtles galore!
Diving Australia in April on the Ocean Quest
Great
Diving Australia in April on the Pro Dive Cairns
Nice
Diving Australia in February on the ScubaPro I
Great experience, the coral is breathtaking
Diving Australia in February on the Spirit of Freedom
Trip of a lifetime
Diving Australia in February on the ScubaPro III
Really loved it
Diving Australia in March on the Pro Dive Cairns
Waters are great. Good weather. Awesome people
Diving Australia in March on the ScubaPro III
I was effraid see only dead corals but it stay Amazing dives and beautiful corals.
Diving Australia in March on the Pro Dive Cairns
incredible
Diving Australia in March on the Spirit of Freedom
More beautiful than I expected.
Diving Australia in March on the Pro Dive Cairns
Amazing!
Diving Australia in March on the Spirit of Freedom
Great!
Diving Australia in March on the Ocean Quest
Very nice experience and excellent feeling
Diving Australia in February on the ScubaPro I
I had a very nice time. the entire experience really exceeded all of my expectations!
Diving Australia in February on the Ocean Quest
25/10. For anyone thinking about it: Do it now, while you still can.
Diving Australia in February on the Ocean Quest
Australia is such an amazing place. The people really make it. Love everything about it.
Diving Australia in January on the Ocean Quest
My dive experience was amazing, trying to book more dives before I have to leave
Diving Australia in February on the Ocean Quest
Great
Diving Australia in February on the ScubaPro I
Fantastic!
Diving Australia in February on the Spirit of Freedom
It was excellent. We will go back to do it again in the future.
Diving Australia in January on the ScubaPro III
The best, gotta go there!
Diving Australia in January on the ScubaPro I
No complaints absolutely fantastic.
Diving Australia in December on the Spoilsport
Very relaxed, but safe and comfortable
Diving Australia in November on the Ocean Quest
It was good. I grew as a diver and loved everything I saw.
Diving Australia in November on the Ocean Quest
Amazing, as expected. Warm water and lively reef life. We'll be back!
Diving Australia in November on the ScubaPro III
My diving experience was everything I could hope it would have been, and would definitely do again!
Diving Australia in November on the Spirit of Freedom
Very enjoyable diving, I’d highly recommend and will return. Compares very favourably to the best I’ve experienced in Raja Ampat, Komodo, and the Banda Sea.
Diving Australia in October on the Spirit of Freedom
Great - we snorkeled due to travel constraints, but would love to return and actually dive.
Diving Australia in October on the Ocean Quest
10/10 and would definitely recommend to everyone and anyone else!!
Diving Australia in November on the ScubaPro I
Loved every minute of it. Would absolutely do the trip again.
Diving Australia in October on the Spoilsport
Excellent. Coming back next year.
Diving Australia in October on the Ocean Quest
Again, the trip of a lifetime (so far)!
Diving Australia in October on the Spoilsport
Dives of a lifetime.
Diving Australia in October on the Spirit of Freedom
The whole trip and experience was unforgettable. I would really love to come back and dive again after I get more dive trips under my belt and learn to identify more species.
Diving Australia in September on the Spoilsport
Excellent. Want to do again
Diving Australia in October on the ScubaPro II
Fantastic.
Diving Australia in October on the Spirit of Freedom
Great experience overall
Diving Australia in October on the Ocean Quest
Ill be back in the future!
Diving Australia in September on the Spirit of Freedom
It's quite different as in southeast Asia where I dive more often, the Reef is a bit less than what I'd expect, it was not as colorful, and really a lot of corals died. but overall, it is still good experience. and people carry out PADI requirements and procedures very strictly, which is good to see.
Diving Australia in September on the ScubaPro I
LOVE AUSTRALIAN DIVING! The best water conditions I have ever experienced.
Diving Australia in September on the Coral Sea Dreaming
It's sad that typhoons and bleeching destroyed some of it as the effects were notorious. However, the crew took us out to some well maintained spots
Diving Australia in September on the Spirit of Freedom
Great
Diving Australia in September on the Ocean Quest
Fantastic. Friendly crews made this experience more special.
Diving Australia in September on the Coral Sea Dreaming
The best diving I have encountered so far.
Diving Australia in September on the Coral Sea Dreaming
It was amazing. I can't wait to go back.
Diving Australia in July on the Spoilsport
This is my first time diving in Australia, so I have nothing to compare it to. Great though.
Diving Australia in July on the ScubaPro II
buddy diving is the basic style here... it's good to feel the freedom in the sea but i prefer the guided diving due to the safety.
Diving Australia in July on the Ocean Quest