## Where to Fly to in Australia for Scuba Diving
Australia is a scuba diving paradise, with pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are dive sites to suit all levels of experience. Here is a guide to the best places to fly to in Australia for scuba diving:
### 1. The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic dive sites in the world, and for good reason. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) along the coast of Queensland. The reef is home to an incredible variety of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and 4,000 species of mollusks.
There are many ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, from day trips to liveaboard dive cruises. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
* **Lady Elliot Island:** Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a popular dive site for beginners and experienced divers alike. The island is surrounded by a fringing reef that is home to a variety of marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and sharks.
* **Lizard Island:** Located in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a world-renowned dive site. The island is surrounded by a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, walls, and drop-offs.
* **Osprey Reef:** Located in the Coral Sea, Osprey Reef is a remote dive site that is home to a variety of sharks, including tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and bull sharks.
### 2. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing reef in Australia, stretching over 260 kilometers (160 miles) along the coast of Western Australia. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including over 500 species of fish, 300 species of coral, and 600 species of mollusks.
Ningaloo Reef is a popular dive site for beginners and experienced divers alike. The reef is protected from strong currents, making it a safe and easy place to dive. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
* **Osprey Bay:** Located at the northern end of Ningaloo Reef, Osprey Bay is a popular dive site for beginners. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and sharks.
* **Coral Bay:** Coral Bay is a small town located on the edge of Ningaloo Reef. The town is a popular base for divers, as it offers access to a variety of dive sites.
* **Exmouth Gulf:** Exmouth Gulf is located at the southern end of Ningaloo Reef. The gulf is home to a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, walls, and drop-offs.
### 3. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
Lord Howe Island is a small island located in the Tasman Sea, about 600 kilometers (370 miles) off the coast of New South Wales. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including over 90 species of fish, 100 species of coral, and 400 species of mollusks.
Lord Howe Island is a great place to dive for beginners and experienced divers alike. The island is surrounded by a fringing reef that is home to a variety of marine life. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
* **Ned’s Beach:** Located on the western side of Lord Howe Island, Ned’s Beach is a popular dive site for beginners. The beach is home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and sharks.
* **Ball’s Pyramid:** Ball’s Pyramid is a small island located off the coast of Lord Howe Island. The island is home to a variety of seabirds, including gannets, boobies, and petrels.
* **The Admiralty Islands:** The Admiralty Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Lord Howe Island. The islands are home to a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, walls, and drop-offs.
### 4. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island is the largest island in South Australia, located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) off the coast of Adelaide. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including over 800 species of fish, 100 species of coral, and 400 species of mollusks.
Kangaroo Island is a great place to dive for beginners and experienced divers alike. The island is surrounded by a fringing reef that is home to a variety of marine life. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
* **Vivonne Bay:** Located on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, Vivonne Bay is a popular dive site for beginners. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and dolphins.
* **Flinders Chase National Park:** Flinders Chase National Park is located on the western end of Kangaroo Island. The park is home to a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, walls, and drop-offs.
* **Neptune Islands:** The Neptune Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Kangaroo Island. The islands are home to a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and dolphins.
### 5. Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state located in the south of Australia. The state is home to a variety of marine life, including over 500 species of fish, 100 species of coral, and 400 species of mollusks.
Tasmania is a great place to dive for beginners and experienced divers alike. The state is surrounded by a fringing reef that is home to a variety of marine life. Some of the most popular dive sites include:
* **Maria Island:** Located off the east coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is a popular dive site for beginners. The island is home to a variety of marine life, including sea lions, seals, and dolphins.
* **Freycinet National Park:** Freycinet National Park is located on the east coast of Tasmania. The park is home to a variety of dive sites, including coral gardens, walls, and drop-offs.
* **Port Arthur:** Port Arthur is a historical town located on the Tasman Peninsula. The town is home to a variety of dive sites, including wrecks, reefs, and sea caves.