Australia is known for its white sands and crystal clear waters and it’s one of the many reasons millions of tourists flock down under every year. With endless coastlines and water more appealing than a winning lottery ticket you can easily see why it’s also any snorkeler’s paradise. Even if you’ve never taken the plunge and experienced what lies beneath it’s never too late to start. There’s a huge range of affordable and essential equipment such as snorkel masks and aqua shoes available on the market that make snorkeling accessible for everyone. Continue reading to find out exactly where you need to head too and what top spots Aus has to offer.
Cairns
Cairns is probably the most popular destination for snorkelers. This well known city allows you access to the world famous Great Barrier Reef with only a short boat trip. During this ride you’ll be treated to breathtaking views from on top of the water before you even get to discover the beautiful live ecosystem that sits below. There are many tours that operate from Cairns which means regardless of your snorkeling credentials you’ll be able to enjoy what this natural beauty has to offer and experience the reef up close and personally. With over 2900 individual reefs coexisting together to form the Great Barrier Reef you’ll be sure to see some of its inhabitants during your journey.
Whitsunday Islands
If you head south from Cairns along the East coast of Australia you’ll eventually come across some of the most idyllic islands that you’ve ever seen. They are 100% Instagram worthy and many people say they are home to the most beautiful coastline they’ve ever seen! Most people start their Whitsunday journey from Airlie Beach as there’s regular hop on hop off style tours that are easy to come by, this means you’ll also be able to explore other nearby islands. When snorkeling here you’ll be able to witness a more southerly slice of the Great Barrier Reef, home to vibrant Christmas tree worms and giant sea turtles, just to name a few.
Moreton Island
If you head a little further down the East Coast again, approximately 560 miles, you’ll stumble across the beautiful Moreton Island. This sand island is famous for its high dunes and native wildlife and is extremely popular with both experienced divers and newbies. The west coast of the small island is home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a man made haven for colourful sea life waiting to be explored by everyone with a snorkel and a pair of aqua shoes. Lively corals and vivid marine life such as jellyfish and tropical fish that have chosen to take shelter within the fleet of sunken ships will make your trip unforgettable. Not to mention the dolphin feeding spot that’s nearby, that’s also a must see!
Coral Bay
Straying away from the East coast of Australia will pay dividends when it comes to discovering exciting and mesmerising marine life. Coral Bay is situated 1200km north of Perth on the West coast and is home to some of the world’s most secluded beaches with untold and untouched natural beauty. Ningaloo Reef is accessible from Coral Bay and is home to a whole array of whale sharks and manta rays making this a trip of a lifetime and definitely one to tell the grandchildren. This old town is also powered solely by a wind-diesel hybrid system meaning it’s miles ahead when it comes to being economical and forward thinking.
Summary
With so many beautiful coastlines, reefs and teams of marine life to explore what’s stopping you from grabbing that snorkel and your aqua shoes and heading straight for the open water. These locations throughout Australia are unlike anywhere else in the world, and some of them may not be there forever so now’s the time to make the most of them whilst they’re still stunningly beautiful!
