DIVEÂ QUEENSLAND
Diving recommendations for Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Tweed Coast & Byron Bay
BRISBANE
Top dive sites
TURTLE CAVES
North Stradbroke Island
This dive sites goes off all year round. Turtle caves is on the northern side of Flat Rock and is exposed in the current. On almost every dive you can spots colourful reef fish, nudibranchs and turtles. Big fish are known to pass through here including Great White Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Bronze Whalers, Whale Sharks, Torny Nurse Sharks and Grey Nurse Sharks. Marine mammals spotted here include humpback whales and dolphins. Regularly large fevers of rays pass through.
Depth: 16 - 30+
Experience level: Advanced and experienced in currents and changing conditions.
MANTA BOMMIE
North Stradbroke Island
Manta Bommie is a seasonal dive site. Famous as it is a manta ray cleaning station in the warmer, summer months. During winter the manta rays head north to seek warmer water temperatures hence why manta bommie is dived in the summer only. You can also see guitar rays, turtles and leopard sharks here in the summer.
Depth: 5 - 14m
Experience level: an experienced Open Water diver as the current can be extremely strong.
FLINDERS REEF
Moreton Island
Flinders Reef is possibly the best coral reef outside the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia. The reef has moorings all around it so it is easy to access and relatively undamaged due to it being a strict no anchor zone. As many dive operators have closed down or downsized in Brisbane in recent years there are not often charters heading to Flinders, rendering the reefs healthier and the fish happier! At Flinders you can see beautiful corals, turtles, reef sharks and more!
Depth: 12m - 28m
Experience Level: Beginner and upwards! You can almost always find a sheltered spot to dive around this reef.
CHERUBS CAVE
East Side of Moreton Island
This dive site is very exposed to the wind and waves, making it a tricky dive site to reach. Here you can find beautiful corals, interesting topography, swim throughs and a ton of current! In the winter the Grey Nurse Sharks make this their home. Other species of sharks can be spotted here including Great Whites and Hammerheads.
Depth - 24 to 30m
Experience Level: Experienced Advanced certified only. Very strong current.
SHARK ALLEY
North Stradbroke Island
During the winter months when the water temperatures drop below 21 degrees, the Grey Nurse Sharks (GNS) arrive here and congregate in the "alley" (gutter or channel between the rocks). Keep your buoyancy in check and move slowly and the sharks will swim close to you. Bring your go pro!
Depth: 22-26m +
Experience Level: Advanced certified minimum due to the depth. You need to be good on air as the entire dive is at depth. Often there is strong current and big waves so assess your ability to dive in these conditions.
SHAG ROCK
North Stradbroke Island
Shag Rock is one of the most under stated dive sites. You have a swim through, coral garden, slopes, small walls, frog fish, occasional manta ray, eagle rays, nudibranchs, turtles, leopard sharks and more. This site is more sheltered, so it often is perceived as an easy dive site for beginners. However it is one of our top picks as it always has something to offer.
Depth: 5m - 14m
Experience Level: Beginner and beyond!
BOAT ROCK
North Stradbroke Island
This may be one of the least dived dive sites in Australia. Located in the east coast Australian Current means it is challenging to go towards and often the conditions are unpredictable. However, if you make it out there you will be rewarded! This rock rises dramatically from the depths. You swim along a wall that drops into the depths. The wall is cover in fish and is home to two resident Grey Nurse Sharks that are here year round.
This exposed dive site is like the wild wild west, anything can happen - don't forget your camera!
Depth: 30m+
Experience level: Experienced divers only!