Travelling in Australia is a unique experience as it has something for everyone. Take in the majestic Uluru or Ayers Rock or stop by Kata Tjuta for an insight into the aboriginal culture of this country. Plan a road trip along the beautiful eastern coast and visit Melbourne and Sydney. A lot of this island continent is still untouched and you can spot many amazing animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, cockatoos and more. Most of all, Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef. You can head to Queensland and explore this beautiful reef here. But if you’re someone who’s looking to explore the surrounding waters of this country, then you’ve come to the right place. Browse through this article for a list of the top dive resorts in Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Fitzroy Island Resort; Fitzroy Island (from USD 170)
Reasonably priced hotel with separate bungalows near the forest and sea.
Air conditioning, grill, swimming pool, live music, snorkeling, and island living vibe.
Stunning location with beach huts, beautiful scenery, and easy snorkeling access.
Exceptional vegetarian options, good breakfast, and delicious food at the restaurant.
You can find dive options to suit any level of proficiency at Fitzroy Island Resort. Beginners can take up Discover Scuba Diving or other refresher courses. Experienced divers, on the other hand, can rent their equipment and begin their adventure. The resort even offers programs for children as well.
There are different dive sites as well - beginners or children can start with their dive pool or a shallow access point nearby. In the meantime, the experienced divers can take a boat trip out to the ocean to explore other dive sites such as Welcome Bay and Eastern Wall.
Fitzroy Island Resort
Address: Fitzroy Island
1.49 km (1.0 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
2. Heron Island; Heron Island (from USD 274)
Resort pricing includes guided tours and snorkeling gear. Dinner buffet is overpriced at $50 pp.
Abundant wildlife, pristine waters, and free educational island tours.
Secluded island with crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and wildlife encounters.
Breakfast buffet is good, but dinner buffet is overpriced and lacks variety. Limited healthy options.
Heron Island is one of the best places to dive in Australia. Shallow dive sites teeming with spectacular underwater marine life and gorgeous coral gardens are found here. If you are making a stop at Heron Island, be sure to book your dive dates ahead of time.
Novice divers can take up beginner courses here. But for those who have not dived in one to three years, you will need to complete a full Dive Check before you can go in. Different options, such as single dives, packages and night dives are offered here. Diving equipment can also be rented here as well.
Heron Island
Address: Great Barrier Reef
951.63 km (591.4 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
3. Mackerel Islands; Onslow (from AUD 65)
Mackerel Islands, on the western coast of Australia, offers beautiful diving grounds for those interested in marine life. You can rent diving gear from a provider here, but ensure you do it ahead of time. In fact, it may be advisable to bring your own boat and gear.
Guests should note that most sites are at 3 m (9.84 ft) to 18 m (59.06 ft) below sea level and some degree of diving experience may be required. There are house reefs around the resort as well and these are ideal for snorkelling, especially for children.
Mackerel Islands
Address: Thevenard Island
3285.3 km (2041.4 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
4. Green Island Resort; Green Island (from USD 328)
If you’re excited about exploring the Great Barrier Reef, you can sign up for diving sessions for an additional cost. Beginners can take an introductory diving class separately before going for the certified ones. Each session lasts about 40 minutes and equipment is included. When you’re underwater, keep an eye out for sea turtles, reef sharks, coral formations, colourful fishes and more!
Green Island Resort
Address: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Cairns
19.15 km (11.9 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
5. Lizard Island Resort, Queensland (from USD 1315)
Lizard Island Resort offers many activities for guests to explore the beautiful underwater world. There are glass-bottom kayak tours, snorkelling options and many more.
Those who wish to dive also have many choices. If you have never dived before, you can sign up for an introductory class. If you want to brush up your diving skills, you can consider a free refresher course as well. You can book half-day or full-day charters to explore different dive sites. This is open to everyone, regardless of their proficiency. An experienced marine team will accompany you on these expeditions, so you can relax and have a good time.
Lizard Island Resort
Address: Pmb 40
258.27 km (160.5 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
rooms were nice comfortable and cleanHost:
the staff was very helpful and pleasantthe food was excellent & the staff were always willing to help or adviseRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and many activities available on the islandlocation to the great barrier reef is amazing
6. Tangalooma Island Resort, Queensland
It will be a fun experience to dive in the Tangalooma Wrecks and gaze at interesting marine life, such as sea urchins and sponges, which can be found here. The resort offers various packages to suit everyone. Children can begin their instruction here as well. Adults can also sign up for either the open water course or the introductory course and head into the deep sea.
All diving gear can be hired at an added cost. Guests should book their diving dates ahead of time to ensure availability.
Tangalooma Island Resort
Address: Moreton Island, Off Brisbane
1369.53 km (851.0 mi) from Fitzroy Island Resort
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
can’t really relax with the noise when we stay in the roomCleanliness:
accurate to all the descriptions and very cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
we liked the location and the resort itself with everything at hand
7. Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Queensland
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort on Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Located at the tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a great place to spot marine life such as manta rays, turtles and more. Snorkelling is easy here - you can just step off the beach or book Snorkelling on the reef surrounding Lady Elliot island is easily accessible straight off the beach or book a guided snorkelling tour as well.
Atleast two dives are offered daily and you can sign up for them based on availability. Dive equipment is also available for hire. Those who have not dived before can sign up for an introductory course. As for those who haven’t dived in a while, could go for a complimentary refresher course.
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
Address: Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland , Australia
Star Rating: 3-stars
Travelers Review: Very Good 4.8(from 374 reviews)
Explore the underwater world of Autralia
Head to Australia for a wonderful vacation like no other. From beautiful forests to vast open spaces, you will find everything here. When you dive underwater, you will be further mesmerized by the abundant natural beauty under the sea. Any of the resorts listed above will be a good choice for a fun diving experience.
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