Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of Australia’s major cities. Located on Australia’s east coast, Brisbane offers easy access to the protected sites in Moreton Bay and the Coral Sea. Some of the most prominent scuba diving locations in this region include Stradbroke Island, Flinder’s Reef, Moreton Island, and Fraser Island. On offer are impressive reefs, over 200 species of reef fish, leopard sharks, loggerhead sea turtles, and even majestic manta rays. Aside from marine life, the unique collection of shallow water wrecks (Tangalooma Wrecks) are within easy reach and offer an easy introduction to wreck diving.
Diving from Brisbane is available all year round. The winter months of April through to September offer great visibility but strong winds can occur. From October through to December (summer months), Brisbane experiences beautiful weather with an active breeding season underwater. January through to March is considered the monsoon period and with it comes some amazing feeding and marine life action following the breeding season. Water temperature in the summer varies from 24 to 28 degrees. During the winter months, temperatures vary from 19 to 22 degrees. If you are hoping to see manta rays, November through to April are the best months and for grey nurse sharks, July through to October offer the best opportunities.
Manta Ray Bommie – North Stradbroke Island
Known locally as North “Straddie” Island, Manta Ray Bommie is an easy 10 minute boat ride away. As the name suggests, manta rays are the highlight here, but even when they are absent, this is still a stunning site that is bursting with colour. Other marine life that divers have the opportunity to see here includes leopard sharks and loggerhead turtles.
Shark Alley – Flat Rock
Another Brisbane dive site which is named after the marine species that frequent it! Flat Rock Reef attracts both nurse sharks and wobbegong sharks as well as schools of rays. This is one dive site where divers should keep an eye out to the blue – you never know what other pelagics will come cruising through.
Flinders Reef – Moreton Island
Flinders Reef, located off Moreton Island is often cited as being many divers’ number one Brisbane dive site. During the winter months, migrating whales pass through here and that’s in addition to the over 150 species of reef fish that are found on this impressive stretch of reef. Flinders Reef is an incredible site that’s well worth diving into.
Tangalooma Wrecks – Moreton Island
The shallow depths and the clear water make Tangalooma wrecks a popular and fun site for snorkelers and freedivers as well as scuba divers. Exploring some of the deeper areas of the site you never know what you will see next. This is a really fun site to explore, easily accessible, and highly recommended.
EX-HMAS Brisbane – Sunshine Coast
Although technically located outside of the Greater Brisbane area, the Ex-HMAS Brisbane is near enough and worth the travel time. This fantastic wreck plays host to an astounding 1000 species of marine life and it’s an incredible site for both wreck and recreational divers. For underwater photographers, there are countless wide-angle opportunities when shooting the wreck itself, but a macro lens shouldn’t be overlooked for capturing the myriad of critters that are here too. Read more about the HMAS Brisbane here.
Are you ready to dive into Brisbane? To learn more about diving in Queensland Australia check out this article in Scuba Diving magazine.
Find a PADI dive shop in Brisbane on the PADI Dive Shop Locator App here, or book your next dive vacation on PADI Travel.
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