Australia’s Brisbane Has Fantastic Ocean Diving All Year Round

Moreton Bay on the coast of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, is the perfect place for deep sea diving, no matter what time of year. From intriguing wreck dives to stunning sea life, Moreton Bay has much to offer. If you are staying in the Brisbane area there are numerous Professional Association of Diving Instructor (PADI) centers that offer services in the Moreton Bay.

The Tangalooma Wrecks is one of the most popular diving ares in Brisbane. This area has a collection of 15 underwater vessels, located on the side of Moreton Island. These wrecks attract some of the most amazing marine life that you will ever see. During your dive you will get a glimpse of wobbegings, trevally (shown here), king fish and many other tropical fish. Because of the water current in this area, it makes for an excellent drift diving site.

The Curtin Artificial Reef is located further north along Moreton Island off the settlement of Cowan Cowan and is a popular destination for divers with intermediate qualifications. The Underwater Research Group of Queensland has been sinking large vessels, cars, tires and pontoons at this site since 1968. Most of the wrecks can be safely entered and explored, and like the Tangalooma Wrecks, the reef is filled with marine life. Dive depths range from 12 to 30 meters.

Another noteworthy dive location is Mantra Ray Bommie. Here you can experience dives between 5 and 15 meters. During your underwater adventure you will be able to get up close and personal with manta rays, leopard sharks, stingrays, turtles and more.

Flinders Reef is Brisbane’s only true coral reef and is a fully protected marine sanctuary, situated 5 km northwest of Moreton Island. This site offers dive walls, gutters, caves and pinnacles and at least 112 coral species. Flat Rock, off the northeastern tip of Stradbroke Island is one of the most exciting dive sites near Brisbane. The rocky island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is a great place to see turtles, leopard sharks, eagle rays, reef fish and pelagic fish. It is most famous for its gray nurse shark population that gathers at a site called “Shark Alley” each winter. Dives are generally from 5 to 30 meters and visibility up to 20 meters.

To find the best accommodations in the Brisbane area and more information about diving and other activities, visit the Brisbane Tourist Information Centre.