Queensland’s best scuba diving spots

An aquatic paradise home to reefs, wrecks, shoals and even underwater art, it’s no surprise that Queensland is considered the best place to scuba dive in Australia - and one of the best diving locations in the world. Encompassing the expanse of the incredible Great Barrier Reef, your biggest challenge will be where to start. So start by exploring our list of some of the best scuba diving in Queensland.

Diving is good all year round in Queensland, from the warm southeast to the tropical waters further north. Located in the sub-tropics of the Coral Sea, Lodestone Reef is just off Townsville and a popular Great Barrier Reef site. From coral gardens in the shallows to coral canyons of 25m, you’ll find many of the reef’s so-called ‘Great Eight’ living icons here, including Maori wrasse, clownfish and turtles. Lodestone Reef Townsville diving tours leave daily.

Another spectacular diving spot off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island is where the famous Great Barrier Reef is fringed with accessible colourful coral gardens, marine, and historic wrecks. The shallow waters at the dive sites allow divers to have extended bottom time. The Moltke Wreck is only 300m from the beach in Geoffrey Bay. Built in Germany in 1870, today the coral encrusted hull of this three mast barque is a haven to local marine life - and a scuba diver’s dream.

One of the largest intact shipwrecks in the world, the Yongala wreck is submerged in 28 metres of water and is recommended for more advanced divers only. Discovered nearly 50 years after disappearing in a cyclone - and taking all hands with it - the Yongala is today considered Australia’s premier wreck dive and is home to sea snakes, giant groupers, turtles and bull rays. A true diving adventure!

An aquatic adventure for those looking for something a little different from the usual reef dive, Townsville’s Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) features a series of underwater sculptures created by renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor.  With installations including the nine metre high Coral Greenhouse, and the nearby Ocean Sentinels, fascinating and eerie figures that stand 2.2 metres tall, this beautiful dive site also serves as an artificial reef for marine life. 

Where to stay

Only a five-minute walk from local shops and restaurants, Clarion Hotel Townsville is an ideal place to stay while enjoying the full scuba diving Townsville Queensland experience. Lodestone Reef . While you’re in town visit koalas at the Billabong Nature Park, go for a dip at Strand Beach, or catch a game of football at the 1300SMILES Football Stadium, home of the North Queensland Cowboys.

Home to a number of smaller reefs and at least 16 different dive sites, Agincourt Reef is a gorgeous diving destination near Cairns filled with coral caves and canyons. Meet brightly coloured reef fish as you explore The Gardens or take a 40 metre wall dive along the Blue Wonder. The Nursery Bommie is another spectacular pinnacle where colourful fish thrive and feed. You’ll find a number of tours that can take you over this expansive reef ecosystem. 

East of Cairns, Milln Reef is another favourite that is filled with coral gardens, pinnacles and swim-throughs. Home to caverns where divers can spot sea turtles and kaleidoscopes of tropical fish, the southern end of this reef features the giant coral head of Whale Bommie, which ranges to 22 metres in depth. This reef is in pristine condition, and is made up of healthy hard and soft corals. 

If you’re looking to get close to some watery locals, the Cod Hole is a fascinating experience. This is where the friendly giant potato cod - as well as a number of other reef fish - have been feeding for over 30 years. This diving site is found on the northern end of the Ribbon Reef, in the Cairns area. While it is harder to get to than some sites, there are operators who will take you to this exclusive zone where you can meet and feed potato cod that range up to 100 kg.

Where to stay

For scuba diving in Cairns, Comfort Inn Cairns City offers a great central base. Guests can also book a range of exciting activities from the hotel reception, including hot air balloon rides, tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy the hotel’s lush tropical surrounds from Queenslander-style balconies.

Mackay is home to many offshore islands and reefs that offer incredible diving experiences. Keswick Island is a diving favourite and can be reached by either boat or plane, making it a secluded diving destination with an unspoiled marine environment. Shipwreck sites include the Cremer, a 50 metre long passenger ship that sank in 1943, the Singapore and the Llewellyn, a coastal steamer that sank in 1919 and now rests in 35 metres.

Brampton Island Reefs - Mackay

Situated at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage, Brampton Island is known for golden beaches, crowning peaks and its own coral reef. Take a dive into the sparkling waters, where you’ll find some of the some of the most beautiful coral formations in the Mackay region. The Fishbowl Tunnel, located near the ferry terminal, is a beautiful dive area where reef sharks and turtles are commonly spotted.

Where to stay 

Start your scuba diving Mackay experience by checking in at the beachside Comfort Resort Blue Pacific. A short 20-minute drive from the city’s restaurants, bars and nightlife, you’ll also be on nature’s doorstep. Look out for turtles nesting on the beach or spot migrating whales. Set amongst three acres of tropical gardens with a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

_{Header Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Achim Wetz.}