Top 10 Dive Reefs in Queensland

The clear warm waters and blue skies of Queensland make this region the number one dive haven in the world for Queensland holidays.

1. Cod Hole at Ribbon Reefs in North Queensland offers scuba divers a large selection of local potato cod, as well as red bass, emperor and Maori wrasse. Divers can actually see the fish being fed by dive masters. Coral, anemone, giant clams and pyramid butterfly fish abound in this Queensland holidays paradise.
2. Osprey Reef on the Coral Sea in North Queensland has a reputation as one of the most glorious dive sites worldwide is well deserved, for its pristine soft coral and year-round viewing of white tip reef sharks, which are comfortable being around people. Divers can watch from 20 meters deep in a natural amphitheater. Crabs, shrimp, octopus and nautilus are viewed as well.
3. The SS Yongala Wreck in Townsville offers an amazing variety of marine life to the diver in this 110-meter wreck, long considered to be one of the most intact wrecks in the world. Gropers, barracuda, turtles, sea snakes and clown rays are a few of the sea creatures that abound here.
4. Wheeler Reef in Townsville offers one of the greatest biodiversity on this platform reef that offers white sands, bommies, brilliant soft coral, an amazing assortment of fishes and is rated as a superb night dive.
5. Bait Reef at Whitsundays on Great Barrier Reef is an ideal spot for Queensland holidays and is a well-known dive and ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Beginners dive to 30 feet, but more advanced divers can explore the true beauties deeper.
6. Hardy Reef at Whitsundays on the Great Barrier Reef is a patch reef, with dives up to 70 feet. An overnight pontoon is available.
7. Heron Island in Central Queensland hosts a nesting ground for green turtles on this coral cay that’s dense with vegetation. Shore and off-shore snorkeling and diving.
8. Lady Elliott Island in Central Queensland is located on the southerly end of the Great Barrier Reef, with 19 dive sites in the vicinity. Coral gardens makes an ideal dive at night, offering a gorgeous bounty of marine life. Manta rays, stingrays, turtles and reef sharks are teaming in this dive. Reef sharks are seen patrolling the reef wall. The Lady Elliott Eco Resort includes reef walks, snorkeling and diving.
9. Wolf Rock on the Sunshine Coast is made up of four volcanic pinnacles for gorgeous swim-through dives to see the black coral trees, soft spiky coral and hard corals, as well as spiral sea whips. Coral trout, perch, cod and travelly are among the fish life in this dive.
10. The HMS Brisbane was sunk in 2005 and is the newest wreck, and sits upright on the ocean floor, 28 meters down. It’s largely been kept in original condition. Access to divers is granted via holes into the forward engine room and boiler room, where divers can view the diverse marine life of sponges, corals, crustaceans and urchins. This dive is restricted to certified divers with a licensed dive tour operator.

photo by gruntzooki