Brisbane, Australia
For the ultimate diving experience, your first port of call in Australia is on the other side of the country, is Brisbane, Queensland. From here, book a three-day live-aboard trip to the esteemed Lady Musgrave Island – a four-hour journey from the city - and explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world – The Great Barrier Reef. The 35-acre coral cay site is surrounded by 3,000 acres of reef. It has exceptional visibility and divers can expect to see turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and magnificent colour corals and pristine reefs.
For an adventure closer to home explore the submerged wreck of HMAS Brisbane, an Australian navy destroyer sunk as a dive attraction. At 133 metres long and covered with oysters and barnacles, the wreck lies at 27 metres. Being located about 100km north of Brisbane, the site is easily accessible and you’re guaranteed to see angler, lion and snapper fish, eagle rays and octopuses.
As Brisbane is located on the Sunshine and Gold coasts, don’t spend all your holiday underwater – there’s more to explore above the surface. The city is a fascinating mix of old and new. Book a bike trip through the City Botanic Gardens and then ride around the centre, discovering the sandstone castles and Queenslanders - classic houses on stilts. To quench those cultural cravings, visit the Queensland Cultural Centre on the South Bank – the largest modern art gallery in Australia, which boasts the new Gallery of Modern Art and opens on to the Brisbane River.
It’s beaches that are Brisbane’s speciality and there are 20 on which you can sunbathe, cycle or dine. For scenery, opt for a day at Nudgee Beach which offers stunning views across Moreton Bay – it’s a popular destination, so it’s often busy.
For a more traditional seaside experience, Sandgate has coastal walking trails and shops, while Coolum Beach is an undeveloped haven and is within easy driving distance from Brisbane. Families with young children are well catered for and it’s the perfect spot to play beach games or to spend a day shopping.
Article courtesy of cloudnine