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Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly, Sydney

Sydney’s Secret Underwater World

Sydney’s underwater world is a local secret, so it may surprise you that diving here will reveal incredible biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes.

By Deborah Dickson-Smith

Sydney is world-famous for its beautiful harbour and white sandy beaches, but scuba divers will perhaps be surprised by the beauty that can also be found underneath the waves. From the bountiful and biodiverse waters of the marine reserve at Shelly Beach, Manly, to the macro wonders in Chowder Bay, Mosman. Better still, some of the best dive sites are accessible as an easy shore dive.

In fact, some marine life encounters common to Sydney waters cannot be experienced quite so easily anywhere else, from tiny pygmy pipefish and weedy seadragons to giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks and wobbegongs. Here’s where to find them.

Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly

You don’t have to scuba dive to see the marine life in Cabbage Tree Bay, encounters can easily be had simply swimming or snorkelling.

Just 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of the city, the beachside suburb of Manly is home to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach dive sites sit within the sheltered confines of the reserve, making them fantastic for both day and night dives. Shelly Beach is also a great place to learn how to dive, with easy entry into the water in the shallow, protected bay.

Depending on the time of year, you’re bound to run into giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, sting rays of various description, and seriously large schools of fish. You will always be accompanied by a friendly eastern blue groper – the marine symbol for New South Wales, who follow you round on your dive like a puppy.

You could spend hours here and never cross the same path, yet still encounter over 160 species of fish and rays. And you never know who’s coming to visit. One week it might be a turtle or a dolphin, next week it’s dusky whaler sharks or Port Jackson sharks. Divers have even been lucky enough to see a fever of cow nose rays on occasion. Follow the shoreline east from the beach around the heads and look for weedy seadragons in the kelp forests and check out the motorbike sitting on the sea floor on the way back – there’s often a scorpionfish sitting on what’s left of the seat.

Common marine life:  Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, giant cuttlefish, eastern blue groper, sting rays, weedy seadragons.

Chowder Bay, Mosman

Red Seahorse at Chowder Bay, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins 

Did you know?

Scientists have installed ‘seahorse hotels’, small wire cages that provide sheltered habitat for the endangered species.

This muck dive seriously rivals Indonesia’s world-famous Lembeh Strait for weird and wonderful macro critters. In the soft silt of Chowder Bay, accessed from shore at Mosman’s Clifton Gardens Reserve (10 kilometres [six miles] north of the city), you’ll find several species of frog fish, seahorse, pipefish, octopus, squid, blennies, nudibranchs and the site’s signature species: decorator crabs.

The nets around the swimming enclosure are home to a healthy population of White’s seahorses, lately boosted by the addition of Seahorse Hotels and the introduction of 90 aquarium-bred juveniles in a bid by marine scientists to prop up the population of this endangered species.

The site is best accessed from the end of the jetty which runs alongside the shark-netted swimming area. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring the net and pylons for seahorses and decorator crabs and swim out towards the buoy and the rubble of an old wreck where you’ll find blennies, pipe fish, moray eels, octopus and flying gurnards.

Common marine life:  seahorses, decorator crabs, frogfish, nudibranchs.

Kurnell Steps and Monument

Weedy Seadragon, Kurnell, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins

Just under an hour drive south of the city is Kurnell, home to two relatively easy dive sites: Kurnell Monument and The Steps. Monument faces north-west and is essentially a drift along the beach side. Kurnell Steps faces north-east and is more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the harbour.

The Steps is sometimes referred to as ‘The Home of the Weedy Seadragon’. It’s usually easy to find a them here and those with keen eyesight may also spot several resident pygmy pipefish. As it’s shallow, there’s plenty of light and it’s an amazingly colourful dive.

Depending on the tide, head east or west. East will take you past kelp (and a plethora of weedy seadragons) and the west takes you past a large stand of kelp, over a collection of boulders and a number of nice swim-throughs and diversity of aquatic life. Eventually, the wall becomes steeper and more defined as you move towards the boundaries of the ‘Monument’ dive site.

Access from the carpark is down a winding staircase about 15 metres, to the entry point on a flat rock platform.

Common marine life:  weedy seadragons, pygmy pipehorse, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs.

Australia's best snorkelling spots

Bare Island

Nudibranch Bare Island, Botany Bay, Sydney © Jayne Jenkins

Bare Island, located off La Perouse Point in Sydney’s south east, is home to two dive sites. Left Side which is best, but a bit tricky in even a mild southerly swell, and Right Side, which is where you dive when there’s a bigger southerly swell.

Here you’ll find lots of soft coral and sea stars as well as plenty of nudibranch action. The sponge gardens are especially pretty. Be sure to look closely for pygmy seahorses and pygmy pipe fish. The max depth is about 12 metres (39 feet), but you’ll see the most interesting stuff at a seven-metre (23-foot) depth profile.

To access the site, it’s an easy walk from the La Perouse carpark down and across the bridge to the island, with access to a flat rock platform a few steps down at the end of the bridge.

Common marine life:  nudibranchs, red Indian fish, eastern blue groper, seahorses, pygmy pipehorse.

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The best scuba diving spots in Sydney

From the biodiversity at shelly beach to shipwrecks off the northern beaches coastline, there is plenty to explore underwater in sydney. here is some of the best scuba diving in sydney..

Dive Expert Deborah Dickson-Smith

Some of the marine encounters common to Sydney cannot be experienced quite so easily anywhere else in Australia, and many are high on divers’ bucket lists. Dive in and ogle everything from tiny pygmy pipefish and weedy sea dragons to giant cuttlefish; Port Jackson, wobbegong and grey nurse sharks; and even the occasional sea turtle and seal.  

Shelly Beach

Manly ’s Shelly Beach is actually two dive sites, with the left-hand side of the bay usually referred to as Shelly, while the right-hand side  – which has an additional entry point halfway along ‘The Bower’ pathway  – is called Fairy Bower. Being within the sheltered confines of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, they are teeming with marine life, and suitable for either a day or night dive. It is also a great place to learn how to dive.

Depending on the time of year, you’re bound to run into giant cuttlefish, Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, sting rays of various descriptions, and seriously large schools of juvenile fish. You will always be accompanied by a friendly eastern blue groper – the marine symbol for New South Wales, who follows you around on your dive like a puppy.

You could dive here dozens of times and never cross the same path, yet still encounter more than 160 species of fish and rays. And you never know who’s coming to visit. One week it might be a turtle, a seal or a dolphin; next week it could be dusky whaler sharks. Divers have even been lucky enough to see a large fever of cow-nose rays on occasion. Follow the shoreline east from the beach around the heads and spot weedy sea dragons in the kelp forests... look out for the motorbike on the way back.

Port Jackson sharks at Shelly Beach , Northern Beaches - Credit: Pete McGee

Apartments, Long Reef

The Apartments dive site is located off the coast of Long Reef , on Sydney’s Northern Beaches , and is so named for the formation of large rectangular boulders found here. The site is located at the edge of a rocky plateau with a drop-off or wall that features many caves and swim throughs, which give small and large sea life safe areas to shelter when large predators cruise through looking for lunch.

This is one of three dive sites near Sydney where grey nurse sharks congregate. The valley is usually filled with thousands of southern pomfrets, in schools of fish so dense they form a shadow over the dive site. The pomfrets part as you swim through, often revealing dozens of grey nurse sharks  –  a magnificent sight to behold.

On the far northern side at a depth of around 21m is the entrance to the ‘Cathedral’, a cavern formed by two enormous sandstone blocks resting against each other in the shape of a church's roof. Entering from the southern side, you swim through a cavity towards the ‘altar’ before exiting via the ‘stained glass window’.

Grey nurse shark at The Apartments dive site in Long Reef , Northern Beaches - Credit: Jayne Jenkins

Valiant Shipwreck, Palm Beach

The wreck of the Valiant  is located 1.4km to the east of the northernmost point of Barrenjoey Headland, in Palm Beach   –  the northernmost point of Sydney’s Northern Beaches Peninsula. This old tugboat is perched at a depth of 27m, sitting more or less upright with a slight list to port, and some mystery surrounds how it got to its final resting point.

The wreck is covered in colourful encrusting corals and sponges, which attract large numbers of fish species. Marine life on the wreck includes yellowtail, white ear, bream, mado, stripey, black-tipped bullseye, common bullseye, sergeant baker and the occasional yellowtail kingfish.

Due to its depth, it is advisable to spend only 25 minutes exploring the wreck. But this is plenty of time to see the whole site as it only covers an area of about 156 square metres. The engine room, cabins, crew quarters and bridge are accessible and well worth examining.

Valiant Shipwreck, Palm Beach  - Credit: Nays Baghai

Clifton Gardens

In the soft silt of Chowder Bay   –  accessed from shore at Mosman’s Clifton Gardens recreational park  – you’ll find several species of frog fish, seahorses, pipefish, octopus, squid, blennies, moray eels, mantis shrimp, nudibranch and the site’s signature species: decorator crabs.  

These tiny critters are much sought after by macro-wildlife photographers, who travel great distances to find prize-winning underwater macro life like this; many visit remote locations such as the Lembeh Strait in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi, or Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay to capture them on camera. This type of diving was coined 'muck-diving' by underwater photography pioneer Bob Halstead, because of the silty, drab habitat these prized critters are usually found in.

The nets around the Clifton Gardens swimming enclosure are home to several species of seahorses, including the endangered White’s (or Sydney) seahorse, endemic to Sydney Harbour. The local population was boosted recently by 90 aquarium-bred juveniles and the installation of ‘Seahorse Hotels’: wire cages that provide a sheltered habitat to prop up the population of this endangered species.

The site can be accessed from the end of the jetty, which runs alongside the shark-netted swimming area; it can also be accessed from the beach and through the swimming area itself. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring the net and pylons looking for seahorses and decorator crabs, and swim out toward the buoy and the rubble of an old wreck where you’ll find blennies, pipe fish, moray eels, octopus and flying gurnards.

Endangered white’s (or Sydney) seahorse, endemic to Sydney Harbour at Clifton Gardens, Chowder Bay  - Credit: Jayne Jenkins

Bare Island

Bare Island is one of the prettiest dive sites in Sydney, with vibrant and diverse sponge gardens populated by lots of delicate creatures such as pygmy pipefish, nudibranchs, sea stars and seahorses.

It’s also one of the few dive sites in Sydney for reliable sightings of the curious red Indian fish, so named for their shape, which resembles the headdress of Indigenous North Americans.

There are two dives here: Left Side, which is better, but a bit tricky in even a mild southerly swell; and Right Side, which is where you dive when there’s a bigger southerly swell. The max depth is about 12m, but you’ll see the most interesting stuff at a 7m depth profile.

To access the site, it’s an easy 200m walk from the La Perouse  carpark down and across the bridge to the island, with access to a flat rock platform a few steps down at the end of the bridge.

Bare Island Sponge Garden - Credit: Pete McGee Photography

There are two dive sites at Kurnell : Monument and The Steps. Both are relatively easy dives. Monument faces northwest and is essentially a drift along the beachside. Meanwhile, The Steps faces northeast and is more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the bay.

The Steps is sometimes referred to as ‘The Home of the Weedy Sea dragon’, as it’s usually easy to find a few of these critters here  –  for those with keen eyesight, you'll also spot several resident pygmy pipefish. As it’s a shallow dive, there is plenty of light and it’s an amazingly colourful dive.

Depending on the tide, head east or west. East will take you past kelp and a plethora of weedy sea dragons; while the west takes you past a large stand of kelp, over a collection of boulders, and between a number of nice swim-throughs revealing a diversity of aquatic life. Eventually, the wall becomes steeper and more defined as you move toward the boundaries of the Monument dive site.

Access to these sites within Botany Bay National Park to the south of Sydney is from the carpark, down a winding staircase about 15m to the entry point on a flat rock platform.

Weedy sea dragon in Kurnell , South Sydney

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Discover Scuba Diving in Sydney

Sep 14, 2023

Do you want to experience what scuba diving is like before doing your Open Water certification?

Then we have the perfect scuba dive introduction for you – Sydney Dive Charters offers first time divers the chance to explore the underwater world without committing to a full course, with our Discover Scuba Diving experience.

What is a Discover Scuba Dive?

The Discover Scuba Dive, also called DSD, is a safe experience developed by the global scuba organisation PADI to introduce people that have never scuba dived to the scuba diving world. It is conducted by one of our instructors, usually at the beautiful and shallow Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve located at Shelly Beach, Manly.

What to expect from your Discover Scuba Dive

The Discover Scuba Dive takes around 2 hours in total and always has a ratio of 1 instructor per 1-2 students maximum. The experience starts on shore with a thorough introduction on basic diving physics, skills, and dive gear prior to the shore dive. We then help you gear up before entering the water of the Aquatic Reserve via the beach. The dive itself is about 30 minutes long. The maximum depth reached at this Sydney dive site is 10 meters, which makes it an easy and comfortable first dive.

Sea life that you can see on your Discover Scuba Dive

As the Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve is a unique protected marine area, there is an abundance of marine life that you will be able to see on your discovery dive, including Grey Nurse Sharks , Dusky Whaler Sharks, Wobbegong Sharks , Port Ja ckson Sharks , Giant Cuttlefish , dozens of species of schooling fish, Blue and Green Groupers, Weedy Seadragons and Fiddler Rays.

Discover Scuba Diving with Sharks

There is also an option to arrange a Shark Discover Scuba Dive via the private charter of our dive boat. This experience is unique in Sydney, as no other dive shop is offering this. This Discover Scuba Dive takes place at the Bluefish Valley, which is a renowned Grey Nurse Sharks mating colony in Sydney. Usually, the whole experience takes 3 hours, but there is also the option to do an additional second dive at this Sydney boat dive site. Price on application.

The Sydney Dive Charters difference

Unlike other scuba diving shops in Sydney, we offer a very personalised and premium experience. For your convenience, we offer free pick up, and drop off, from Manly wharf to the dive site. We only provide the top of the range hire gear compared to our competitors, which is included in the Discover Scuba Dive experience, and which we will bring along with us on the day for your convenience. Furthermore, our dive instructors all have over 4 decades of dive experience!

Your first time scuba diving should be a memory to hold onto, so we also offer underwater photos at an additional cost. This fee includes another diver to take these photos.

Are you ready to take the plunge? Then book your discover scuba dive online today , or call Jason for any additional questions or queries.

Scuba Diving Sydney – Popular Dive Sites

Home > Destinations > Sydney > Scuba Diving Sydney - Popular Dive Sites

Diveplanit presents a very quick summary of the most popular of Sydney dive sites. Some are hyperlinked to more detailed listings – others just give an overview here. This is one of our most visited pages, but also the last one before visitors leave the site. So if something’s missing here – please send us a quick message via Contact Us form and we’ll fix it!

Valiant Wreck at Barrenjoey Head is a Wreck Dive

The wreck of a 23m tug in a sand base at 27m. Very colourful, some super-structure left standing. You can go around it twice in 30 minutes. Take a torch to get the best out of it.

As the terrain is mainly sand there is not much fauna on the wreck.

Note this is a 27m dive; you may get a bit narked!

Apartments at Long Reef is an offshore bommie of ledges and rocks dive

Large rectangular shaped rocks (hence the name) amongst kelp with plenty of places to scrabble around and find stuff.

You’ll find fauna appropriate to this terrain: the usual temperate reef fish; occasionally Grey Reef Shark.

Note: current can change direction while you are out there

Wall at Long Reef is adjacent to The Apartments

The Wall drops from 8 to 15m, (before it gives way to The Apartments). Lots of nooks and crannies, plenty of small reef fish, and the things you usually find in holes: usual temperate reef fish and plenty of moray eels.

Note: current can change direction while you are out there – take an SMB!

Freshwater is a Shore dive over rocks and along a wall

It starts at the channel by the pump at the ocean pool. The shallow channel quickly gives way to rocks, boulders and ledges along the wall. Can be done as a there and back, or one way off the rocks and right to the channel by the pool. Fauna can be a bit hit and miss, though occasionally stingarees, shovelnose rays and blue groper are seen.

Note: dive at low water slack, or just after, to have an in-coming current on the way back

Manly Bommie at Manly is a shallow, squat bommie 50m offshore dive

Rectangular plateau of rock with crevices running east-west surrounded by sand. Lots to see in the crevices, take your time and just keep going around.

Fauna appropriate to the terrain in the crevices and deep gutters: Sergeant Baker, morwong, crimson-banded and Maori wrasse.

Note: beware of boats overhead.

Fairy Bower at Manly is a Scenic Reef Shore Dive

Fairy Bower : Kelpy rocks and boulders, of various sizes, with the sandy base into the bay which is 7m max so best dived at high tide if you have a choice. As part of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, you’ll see some of the 200+ recorded species plus the occasional surprise visitor, like a resting ray, or a friendly dolphin.

Being a no-take zone it has the greatest diversity of marine species of any bay around Sydney.

Shelly Beach at Manly is a Scenic Shore dive

Shelly Beach : Two separate dives with different terrains: North Side is boulders to sand; south, along the Esplanade, is rocky and kelpy.

As part of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve rated as the best shore dive in NSW; vis is typically better on the boulderous north side. Over 200 recorded species, you’ll see 25+ on any dive if you get in amongst the rocks – don’t just swim along the boulder/sand line!

A large variety of mid-size temperate reef fish can be found; lots of juveniles; occasional Bull Ray, Dusky Whalers and Dolphin.

Blue Fish Point Wall at Manly is a Scenic wall dive

A colourful wall with sponge and a few soft corals, and lots of little stuff. Take a bearing from the boat, hit the wall, go to one edge (opposite edge to all the other divers!), work your way along the wall at 15m, in one direction, and at 2/3 tank, go up to 7m and traverse back to the other end.

Fauna appropriate to the terrain which is an almost vertical wall from 5m down to 22m: Small reef fish on the wall, occasional crayfish.

Blue Fish Point at Manly is typical North Head terrain: a jumble of large boulders down to sand at 22m. You don’t need to go to 22m; the fauna worth seeing, Cuttlefish, groper, Yellow-tail scad, is mainly around the 14m mark.

Old Man’s Hat at North Head is also typical North Head terrain

A jumble of large rocks down to the sand at 24m. There’s plenty of temperate stuff to see if you take your time including Wobbegongs on the rocks, occasionally Port Jackson Sharks on the sand, and weedy seadragons on the kelp.

Quarantine Station at North Head is a sandy bay shallow dive

Actually this is really just a glorified snorkel, and only worth doing if you got kitted up, but couldn’t get out of the heads. Fauna appropriate to a flat sandy bottom: Goatfish and other bottom feeders, occasional ray or stingaree .

Note: beware of boats overhead

Fairlight is a Shallow shore dive with ledges and boulders

Beyond the grass and kelp there are ledges running parallel to the land; and large boulders around and passed the swimming pool. Compared to Shelly, a no-take zone, the fauna is pretty sparse: scad, morwong, cuttlefish, and the odd Moorish idol.

Forty Baskets is a shallow shore dive

At Forty Baskets beach, there is a netted pool on sand – though far fewer critters here than Clifton Gardens or even Balmoral. Head south to Reef Beach and the rocky outcrop just south of it. Take it steady and conserve air – it can be a long snorkel back!

Fauna appropriate to the terrain which is a rocky margin at shoreline between beaches; sand everywhere else: Goatfish and other bottom feeders, occasional ray or stingaree.

Balmoral Baths is a shallow shore dive along shark netting

Netted pool on sand though worth it for the seahorses; also leatherjackets.

Note: ever underestimate a pillar valve’s ability to get tangled in netting.

Chowder Bay at Clifton Gardens is a shallow inshore harbour muck dive

Clifton Gardens : Classic inshore harbour muck dive: one day you might see a seahorse, an octopus and an anglerfish; on another you might not see your own hand in front of your face!

Fauna includes filefish, goatfish, bottom dwellers, blennies and gobies, occasional octopus and anglerfish.

Note: the fishermen overhead have been known to be abusive to divers.

Camp Cove is a shallow shore dive with sand, a low reef and wall dive

Camp Cove : A dive in three parts: under what is often referred to as Wall #4 – it’s a rock face to the north with the speed limit = 4 knots – on it; a squat reef that is possibly 50 m long and lies about 40m off the beach, parallel to it and centred with it; and the point to the south at the end of the beach.

Different fauna in the different terrains which include crabs, pygmy leatherjackets, Whites Seahorse, and cuttlefish.

Gordon’s Bay (Near Clovelly) is actually an underwater nature trail

It takes about forty minutes to dive the 600-meter trail, the deepest part of which is 14m. On a clear day, it’s possible to snorkel the trail from the surface. The trail is marked by a chain connected to concrete-filled drums about 20 meters apart with information displayed on steel plaques. There is an abundance of species living along the rocks, though apparently not as many as there was before the chain was installed.

The entry and exit point is at the end of a short path which comes off Cliffbrook Parade less than 100m from the south-west corner of the carpark at the end of Victory Street, Clovelly.

Fauna appropriate to the terrain which is rocks on a sandy base: Mado and morwong guaranteed!

Magic Point at Maroubra is a Grey Nurse Shark Dive

Magic Point : This site is the only known site around Sydney where Grey Nurse Sharks reliably hang out around two caves in a low wall. Also look out for weedy seadragons.

Follow the instructions of the dive guide; if you are going without one, make sure you have at least read a Shark Awareness briefing sheet.

Bare Island at La Perouse is a shallow shore dive with boulders and soft corals

Bare Island : There are two dives here: the Left Side which is best, but a bit tricky in even a mild southerly swell, and Right Side, which is where you dive when there’s a mild Southerly swell. Lots of soft coral and sea stars.

The max depth is about 12m, but you’ll see the most interesting stuff at a 7m depth profile.

Kurnell: Kurnell Steps and Kurnell Monument

There are actually two dive sites at Kurnell: Kurnell Monument and Kurnell Steps – both relatively easy dives, both with easy access and car parking close by. The monument faces north-west and is essentially a drift along the beachside – enter at the end of Monument Path. Kurnell Steps faces north-east and is more exposed to tidal flow in and out of the harbour.

Kurnell is a  small-scale-dive  – one where you have to get down in amongst the kelp and crevices – but a very colourful site. Not dissimilar to Bare Island – for obvious reasons.

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Scuba Diving

Australia has some of the best scuba dive locations in the country, and scuba diving is a fabulous way to explore Sydney’s underwater world.

Discover the beautiful waters teeming with different types of fish, vibrantly coloured sponges and even stingrays. If you are looking for a way to cool off the summer heat, then look no further than scuba diving in Sydney .

Sydney Scuba Diving License Courses, Lessons & Dive Prices & Deals

One of the most popular diving sites in Sydney is Bare Island in La Perouse . This 19-metre shore dive area is brimming with abundant marine life. Some of the most common sea creatures include the Red Indian fish, sea horses, firefish as well as the anglerfish. Interestingly, there is a specific type of anglerfish that is named after the island site.

Apartments at Long Reef make for a great scuba diving site. The site was named after the big rectangular shaped rocks that provide ample space to explore the waters. While at it, look out for the leather jacket fish, the sea pike as well as the red morwong. Occasionally, the Grey Reef Shark makes its presence known in the waters, so you need to exercise caution.

Head out to Freshwater, a shore diving site whose panoramic views and intricate rock formations are a sight for sore eyes. The section begins at the channel located at the ocean pool, from where it leads to the rocks along the wall. Some of the marine life present in the area includes the blue groper, stingarees as well as the shovelnose rays.

Dive Centre Manly is a must-visit for divers looking for extensive lessons on the art of diving. Additionally, this full-service centre provides diving gear for hire and purchase as well as guided adventures for divers. There is also a dive club for those who would like to keep up with scuba diving adventures in the region.

There are so many scuba diving tours on offer in Sydney, so click the link below to browse all the available tours.

Scuba Diving Images & Photos

Scuba diving, all over sydney current weather now & 7 day forecast, other places we recommend.

About the author

Michael Jones

Michael created and runs the Sydney Point website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.

With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Sydney many times and seeing a lot of the city in the process), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.

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Dive adventures

Search for your perfect dive holiday., this photo was taken in raja ampat (indonesia) ©papua explorer dive resort.

Liveaboards

Group Trips

Destination of the month, indonesia – raja ampat – west papua.

Raja Ampat is a world renowned diving hotspot. This ecologically diverse paradise is a hub of life. Raja Ampat’s vegetation covered rock islands sit like emeralds in warm, azure coral filled seas. Whether you’re looking to retreat into simple backpacker lodgings or home stays, or relax in beautiful dive resorts, there are a variety of accommodation options available. Wherever you decide to stay expect a high level of adventure and remoteness, a true escape from the ordinary. 

Biodiversity is mirrored on land and sea. Discover islands full of endemic species of flora and fauna, providing a home to rare orchids, birds of paradise and native marsupials such as tree kangaroos and possums. Beneath the surface you will find 75% of the world’s species of corals! This supports a huge array of marine creatures, and the area has become famous for it’s healthy population of apex predators, such as sharks, whales and dolphins. 

In the Spotlight

Indonesia – raja ampat – papua explorers resort.

Papua Explorers is an all-inclusive dive resort located on the south coast of Gam Island, surrounded by the most iconic dive sites in Northern Raja Ampat. All resort bungalows, the restaurant and the dive centre/pier with adjacent spa have been constructed the traditional way – over-water with individual walkways on stilts and glorious views sweeping Dampier Strait from Cape Kri to Mansuar Island.

Only 15 wooden bungalows line up along a massive house reef wall with miles of dense rainforest providing the daily soundtrack, complementing the sound of water lapping underneath every structure. The spacious and airy bungalow interiors lead to spectacular decks, each with sun chairs, hammocks and – most importantly- stairs for direct access to the house reef for swimming and snorkelling in medium and high tide.

The PADI 5 Star dive centre operates a fleet of small & medium-sized boats for 10-30 min excursions to all Dampier Strait reefs, extended tours to Batanta, Wayag and Fam Islands as well as the Passage between Gam and Waigeo Island for diving, snorkelling and waterfall hiking. Direct boat transfers between the resort and Sorong airport on Wednesdays and Sundays take 2 hours each way. Raja Ampat is famous for its exceptional richness of fish life and coral. Due to prevailing currents, the Dampier Strait reefs are best enjoyed by divers with advanced certifications. However, the dive team is very experienced, and with a high ratio of guides to divers, it is also possible to take beginners and open water students to more sheltered coves.

The Papua Explorers Foundation is dedicated to conserving marine life through science, education and awareness. The latest addition to all these projects, excursions and amenities is the liveaboard Coralia, a traditional Phinisi schooner built from scratch and cruising since 2019.

Papua Explorers provides a deluxe dive experience, comfortable yet sustainable amenities in remote, unspoilt nature – romantic and intimate with a fun multi-cultural vibe and a strong connection to their local indigenous community.

Liveaboard in the Spotlight

Philippines – Philippine Siren

About dive adventures.

Established in 1986, Dive Adventures is Australia’s leading diving holiday specialist. Our knowledge of the Pacific and Southeast Asia region with its abundance of world class dive sites is second to none. We provide for all levels of diving skills from beginners to experienced and special interest diving from coral reefs, prolific sea life through to specialized tech cave and wreck diving. Our experienced team of travel consultants are all qualified divers and offer expert advice in the planning and booking of each aspect of your diving holiday, including the flights, accommodation and the type of diving and conditions to suit your experience level. Dive Adventures only use the most reputable operators and our packages are thoroughly researched to provide the best value and unique diving experience to meet your individual requirements.

Follow us on Instagram @diveadventures.au

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Try diving: PADI Discover Scuba

Experience the magic of the underwater world! Try Scuba Diving in Sydney’s only Marine Reserve.

Book your place

About this dive, $245 including full gear hire.

Try Scuba Diving in Sydney’s only Marine Reserve

Experience the magic of our underwater world! The Dive Centre Manly Discover Scuba programme enables non-certified diver to experience the thrill and adventure of scuba diving under the supervision of one of our professional PADI Instructors.

What To Expect 

You will learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. In our open water dive, you’ll practice a few more skills in shallow water to prepare for your adventure. Get ready to:

• Familiarise yourself with the scuba equipment you use to dive and how easy it is to move around underwater with your gear.
• Find out what it's like to breathe underwater.
• Learn key skills that you'll use during every scuba dive.
• Have fun swimming around and exploring.
• Hear about becoming a certified diver through the PADI Open Water Diver Course.

All year round:

• Saturday and Sunday - 2pm to 5pm
• Daily - 2pm to 5pm
• Full gear hire
• PADI professional dive guide
• PADI Discover Scuba elearning (~20min)
• Transport to and from the dive site

Prerequisites:

• Minimum 12 years of age

Escape to a different world. Scuba takes you to a different world with new colours, shapes, textures and creatures – a world where the roles you play – husband, wife, mother, father, friend – take on a new dimension. Become a scuba diver and escape to a peaceful place to renew your energy and excite your senses.

Explore new places. Scuba diving frees you to explore the underwater world – from historic shipwrecks and pristine reefs to the magnificent underwater aquarium that is Sydney Harbour. Become a scuba diver and explore what you’ve been missing.

Experience a connection with nature; a feeling of freedom, and a transformation. Diving connects you with nature, it immerses you in new sensations and experiences and transforms your perception of life forever.

Get in touch if you have a question

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Scuba Diving in Sydney

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Pro dive sydney | scuba diving courses.

With over 55 year experience in  teaching scuba diving ,  advanced courses ,  Divemaster ,  Instructor Course    ,  Traineeships   and   taking  shore dives   and  boat dives , PRO DIVE Sydney is unmatched with the quality of training and knowledge.   With 2 Sydney locations, Alexandria and Manly/Brookvale , PRO DIVE Sydney stores are located close to all Sydney's best scuba dive sites . . Our dive centres also offer gear hire , gear servicing , air fills  and have a range of scuba diving gear , with brands such as Tusa , Mares  , Aqualung  &  Suunto .

• Learn to Dive From Alexandria (Sydney's Eastern Suburbs) [International License]
• Sydney Boat Dives [Weekday & Weekend]
• Sydney's Eastern Suburbs Shore Dives [Guided - Daily]
• Sydney' Eastern Suburbs Advanced Course [Dive to 30m ]
• Scuba Diver Traineeship [Divemaster Internship]
• Learn to Dive at Manly [International License]
• Manly Shore Dives [Guided Daily]
• Manly Advanced Course [Dive to 30m]
• Dive Site Hire {Delivered to you!]
• 3 Day Liveaboard [Great Barrier Reef]
• Dive the Great Barrier Reef [Liveaboards and Day Trips]
• Cairns Learn to Dive [International Licence]
• SCUBA & Snorkelling
• Dive the HMAS Adelaide [Wreck Diving]
• Learn to Dive with Pro Dive Central Coast [International License]
• Advanced Course [Dive to 30m]
• Boat License Testing
• Dive the Yongala [Top 10 Wrecks in the World]
• Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef [Scuba & Snorkelling]
• Learn to Dive with Pro Dive Magnetic Island [International License]
• PROVIDE FIRST AID HLTAID011 - $89
• CPR COURSE HLTAID009 - $39
• PROVIDE ADVANCE RESUSCITATION AND OXYGEN THERAPY HLTAID015 - $99

Sydney city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Australia’s magnificent harbour city

S prawling around one of the planet’s biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is perhaps the ultimate city destination in Australia . With its swoonworthy physical attributes, laidback charm and trio of icons – namely the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sweeping Bondi Beach – the New South Wales capital almost effortlessly wows.

Though the city stretches westwards way beyond Parramatta (Sydney’s geographic heart) to the base of the Blue Mountains, nearly all of its visitor appeal lies in the city centre, central suburbs and beaches . Founded in 1788, Australia’s first British settlement has evolved into a true world city that’s liveliest when Mardi Gras fills the streets with sequins, parades and parties.

If you’re heading down under, our Sydney guide provides a heads-up on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best spots to stay in the Harbour City.

Access all arias

You can’t miss Sydney Opera House . Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, this concrete-and-ceramic-tile masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its performance spaces. Ideally, immerse yourself in an opera, concert, recital or play; otherwise take a tour (from £22pp) to discover those rooftop sails and the building’s history.

Read more on Australia travel :

• Mornington Peninsula: How travellers are seeking out Australia’s hot springs
• The best deals for a luxury Australia holiday in 2024
• Why you should book a holiday to Ningaloo, Australia’s ‘other reef’

Bridge the gap

Sydney’s second major landmark, the Harbour Bridge, unites the CBD (central business district) with the North Shore suburbs. For those with a head for heights (and the best part of £150 to spare), Bridge Climb is the classic experience. Alternatively, take the train to North Sydney and walk back over the bridge for free, with the opera house and city skyline before you.

Sydneysider culture goes big on the beach. Bondi is the icon, for its fine sand, surfer scene, and Icebergs saltwater pool, or hop on the ferry to Manly and its similarly sandy, pine-tree-lined promenade. Not a fan of waves? Stay within the harbour: the North Shore’s Fairlight Beach or more hidden-away Castle Rock Beach are fantastic.

Go walkabout

All around the harbour, fragments of foreshore and bushland constitute Sydney Harbour National Park . Weaving much of it together is the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk , via woodland, beaches, parks and urban promenades. En route, enjoy Aboriginal rock carvings, wildlife encounters (kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons) and cooling dips. Ferry and bus connections break it into manageable chunks.

Art and culture

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is lauded for its sculptures, exhibitions and collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Qtopia , meanwhile, is a must for LGBT+ travellers and allies. As befits a city known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations, this museum tells the story of community trailblazers whose actions helped decriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales in 1984.

Where to stay

Base yourself central to everything at Paramount House Hotel. Located where the CBD crashes into Surry Hills, this former movie company headquarters has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel, with rooms (nearly all of which have outdoor spaces) that are cosy, colourful, and come with the feeling of staying at a cool friend’s apartment. Room-only doubles from £175.

Find a similar price point just round the corner at Ace Hotel Sydney, where the concrete-meets-carpet aesthetic and a slightly retro vibe make the guest rooms at once supremely comfortable and delightfully homely. Top-floor restaurant Kiln is a community favourite, while the street-level diner and coffee shop keep things buzzing throughout the day. There’s also a bijou but excellent gym.

For a fun, yesteryear resort vibe, Oxford House in nearby Paddington wins for its laidback style, cheerful service, and poolside restaurant that doubles as a popular brunch spot for locals. The 55 light-filled rooms benefit from colourful artworks, warm tones and quality amenities, and doubles start from £145.

For more in the way of budget stays, Space Q Capsule Hotel delivers conveniently located, quirky, cool and cost-effective digs within a five-minute walk of Central station.

Where to eat

Asian flavours abound in Sydney. Ever-popular Chin Chin in Surry Hills is the go-to for beef rendang, crispy duck pancakes and prawn summer rolls, all bursting with freshness (mains from £12-20). Similarly upbeat is Uncle Mings : a quirky dumpling den serving small bites and cocktails on a CBD laneway. For something simpler, Japanese temaki are a commonplace, cheap (around £2 each) and healthy on-the-go snack; Hero Sushi is a good place to find them. Also refreshingly affordable is Spice Alley : a Chippendale backstreet whose hawker-style outlets span Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese and Japanese favourites, from satay skewers to special fried rice.

This being a coastal city, there’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants. The Boathouse on Manly’s Shelly Beach wins for its indoor/outdoor ambience, great design, and High Tide Happy Hour (alternatively, try the Balmoral Beach branch). At Bondi Pavilion, meanwhile, a much-needed renovation to mark its centenary has given this seafront landmark a buzzing brunch spot in Glory Days , with poke bowls, avo-on-toast breakfasts, and great coffee as the standouts.

Casually upmarket Café Sydney is perfect for special occasions. Situated atop Circular Quay’s historic Customs House, this classic spot enjoys foreground-filling Harbour Bridge views and a menu celebrating Aussie produce from barramundi to Sydney rock oysters, supported by thoughtful cocktail and wine lists.

Where to drink

Get a hint of its history at The Treasury , where coffee and cocktails are sipped in what was the courtyard of an 1851 building. Now enclosed to form a light-filled atrium, it’s a chic space with monochrome floor tiles, velvet booths, and an Art-Deco-style bar that complements the grand brick-and-sandstone architecture.

Elsewhere in the CBD, enjoy elevated views from Dean and Nancy on 22 , where inventively quirky cocktails (brought to life with candy floss or smoke-filled bubbles) come with a side of highrise scenery. Try the gin-based Alien on Holiday or colourful Watermelon Sugar High, all priced at around £14.

Rather more hidden away are the bijou bars on the YCK Laneways , a lively precinct around York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Highlights include Sammy Junior , which segues from daytime coffees to evening cocktails, or speakeasy-style Stitch Bar , which you’ll find behind a faux frontage.

Where to shop

Of the CBD’s major shopping malls, QVB stands out for its beautifully restored Victorian architecture (all tiled floors, balustrades and glass domes) packed with mostly international brands. Over in Chippendale, Central Park is a much more modern affair good for youth-oriented fashion and footwear from the likes of Glue Store and Hype DC, plus Pigeonhole and its range of gifts and clothing with a sustainable slant.

Also worth checking out are the boutiques in Paddington along Oxford Street, or continue down it all the way to Bondi Beach, which has evolved from its “daggier” backpacker days into something much more credible. Gould Street and Hall Street are the go-to spots here; check out Tuchuzy for its Aussie and international fashions.

Architectural icon

Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint) is the city’s tallest structure, whose golden turret (with observation deck ) sits atop a slender shaft.

What currency do they use?

Australian dollar.

What language do they speak?

Should i tip.

It isn’t expected, but 10 per cent is appreciated.

What’s the time difference?

Average flight time.

Around 22 hours from London , depending on layover duration. Emirates offers convenient connections from London , Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham, via Dubai .

Public transport

AirportLink trains whisk travellers into the city in 15 minutes to connect with buses, trams and ferries. Top up an Opal (like London’s Oyster card) for seamless travel, or simply touch on and off with your credit card.

For that classic shot of the opera house with a Harbour Bridge backdrop, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Botanic Gardens . Otherwise, take the ferry to Cremorne Point to see towering skyscrapers crowning the opera house.

Insider tip?

If jetlag has you up pre-dawn, go watch the sun rising over the opera house from Hickson Road Reserve.

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