Where to dive & which operator?

Hi All,
A group of 6 (5 divers) are holidaying in Oz in August / September & we want to do a little diving.

The plan is for a day diving in Brisbane & then a few days diving (liveaboard possibly) in the Cairns area (or somewhere in between if recommended?).

I'd appreciate any feedback on operators to go with or avoid plus where to dive.

On a related note, who's best for car hire out there? And where to look for motel type accommodation? What are the must see tourist attractions between Brisbane & Cairns?

A lot to ask for - please help us enjoy your country.
Thanks

Contributed by NickUK added 2004-05-16

Replies of 1

Wandy Hochgrebe added 2004-05-17: Hi Nick,

I find these kind of questions always challenging, because there are so many places to do some good diving. The wreck of the Yongala comes to mind, off Townsville and Ayr. The conditions have to be good though, because this wreck is quite exposed.

I can also recommend choosing an operator who goes out to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef at its best! Some leave actually from Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns. For these liveaboards you would need a bit more time than two or three days.

To combine diving with sailing try the Whitsunday Islands.

Have a look at different operators in these locations, some of them offers great discounts for members. You can also book your accommodation from this site (http://www.underwater.com.au/accommodation.php).

Car hire: Thrifty, AVIS or Hertz are national ones if you go from A to B, but you can always try local operators if you just need a car to explore the immediate area.

Enjoy!

Replies of 1

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