by Danielle Dames

Created on: April 22, 2009

Scuba diving in Australia will reward you with some of your most memorable moments in a wetsuit. From sea snakes to dragons and Sweet-lips to sharks, spectacular drop-offs, reefs and caves await.

Covering such an expanse, Australia provides you the opportunity to scuba dive in either the Pacific or Indian Ocean as well as in tropical or temperate waters ranging from 50 - 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With such a variation in the temperature, the Eco-diversity is astonishing and Australia hosts some of the best diving in the world.

Whichever state you are in, you will find something to spur on the wetsuit. Here are some tempting offers to entice you Down Under...

Queensland

Water temperature: 70 - 80 F

Recommended wetsuit: 3mm

Queensland is home to the infamous Great Barrier Reef. Recently named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and also included in the Seven Wonders of the Underwater World, the Barrier Reef has a reputation to uphold. And indeed it does. Soft coral gardens, giant Potato Cod and tiny turtles fill the waters surrounding the reef, and you may well regret not visiting if you choose to pass up seeing the Reef with your own eyes.

The Barrier Reef is huge at over 1600 miles in length, so you have a multitude of choices on where to go. Many divers choose Cairns in the far north of the state as their base, and you can ride out to the reef from here, but keep in mind that the boat ride is not short and sometimes not smooth. If you can stand the two hour boat ride, a trip to the outer reef is a good option, as it is dived less often than the inner reef. Numerous companies operate daily boat trips out to places such as Flinders Reef, which include morning and afternoon dives and a light lunch in between.

However, if you intend to dive for a few days, you may be better situated closer to the reef itself. One great option is an island home base such as the delightful and tiny Heron Island. A mecca for divers, it nonetheless remains uncrowded due to guest number restrictions. All dive sites are within 2 - 15 minutes by boat, and even snorkeling off the beach is well rewarded.

A PADI dive school operates from the resort, with a good range of courses on offer. With the tropical location and warm, protected waters, many choose to gain their Scuba Diving licence here. White sand beaches hosting annual turtle hatchlings coupled with the environmentally friendly, low-key development make Heron Island a nature lover's paradise.

New South Wales

Water temperature: 60 -

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