5 of the best Scuba Diving experiences in Australia

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There’s a whole other side to the Australian coast that few see – but here’s how to get a scuba view with a difference worth diving for.

1. Underwater Photography Workshop, Port Stephens, NSW

Mastered the art of taking photos on land (or not)? Either way, you can now get snap happy underwater with this Dive 2000’s unique photography workshop.
 
Over a weekend at beautiful Port Stephens, you’ll improve your underwater photo skills as trained instructors teach you practical knowledge and techniques on capture styles, equipment, composition and lighting plus more. The quality ‘selfies with the fish’ you’ll bring back will impress the kids to no end… Suitable for intermediate divers; from $395 per adult.

2. Project Manta, Lady Elliot Island, Queensland

In the waters of Lady Elliot Island of the GBR, you can combine your love of scuba diving with doing good, contributing to the world’s first manta identification database (while frolicking with them in the water).

Manta Rays Lady Elliot Island
Glide along with the elegant manta rays.

Over eight days, you’ll photograph the mantas, study their habitat and help out leading scientists, in between unwinding at the very lovely Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. See Earthwatch. Suitable for intermediate divers; from $3595 per adult.

3. Freshwater cave Diving, Mt Gambier, SA

Never heard of this experience? Good – the locals want to keep it that way! Diving Mt Gambier’s outrageously clear sinkholes is a truly unique experience: spot the rare pygmy perch and aquatic eels in Ewens Ponds, or head to the popular Piccaninnie Pond, where you can swim through the 30-metre-high, underwater limestone chamber aptly nicknamed The Cathedral.
 
Hopefully you’ll spot some tortoises on your way, too. Suitable for beginners, diving permits from $11 per adult; See Mount Gambier Point attractions

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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4. East Coast Dive Trail, Tasmania

It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tasmania, but the east coast of this southern state offers 11 surprisingly great dive sites. From the northern town of Binalong Bay to Tasman Island, you’ll find shipwrecks, seahorses and everything in between in these turquoise waters; hire a car for a few days, make it a DIY scuba crawl and hop from location to location experiencing the sites (and sights) along the way.
 
Most are suitable for beginners. See Discover Tasmania for more information.

5. Dive with the wild sea lions, Baird Bay, SA

We just had to include this dive, which was voted one of our 100 Greatest Holidays of Australia. The wild Australian sea lions at Baird Bay are playful, cheeky and said to be more intrigued by us than we are of them.

Scuba diving with sea lions Baird Bay, South Australia.
Just sea lion around: Baird Bay, South Australia.

Play with them in the clear lagoons just off the Eyre Peninsula, experiencing their distinctive antics – and the local aquatic flora – at the same time. There are also bottlenose dolphins in the area, so you may get lucky and see both! Suitable for beginners; from $150 per adult, $75 per child; bairdbay.com

 

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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

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    Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

    Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

    cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
    Unwind in the ancient outback.

    About Rangelands Outback Camp

    Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

    Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

    Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

    Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

    Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

    aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
    Soak in 360-degree views.

    Rangelands Outback Camp tours

    Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours.

    Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

    Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

    The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

    A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park, a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

    A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

    tour being led through Rangeland rifts
    Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

    Sleeping in luxury

    After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

    Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

    Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

    inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
    Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

    Rangelands Outback Camp dining

    As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

    Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

    Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

    Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.