If you’re considering Australia for your next freediving holiday, you may want to check out Southern Queensland! To learn more about this magical spot, we asked PADI Master Freediver Instructor Trainer and expert local diver Adam Sellers… What makes it so unique?
There’s never a dull day diving in Southern Queensland!
Turtles, rays, sharks, nudibranchs, and more, “Southern Queensland gets both warm-water and cold-water species,” says Adam. With 1,500 different kinds of fish and 350 types of coral, it offers some of the world’s most diverse diving. As a bonus, the reefs are close to the shore making it easily accessible. You can wreck dive, night dive, and top it all off, often seen migrating through the area are large marine mammals like orcas and humpback whales!
Recently, during one of Adam’s freediving retreats, he had a visit from a friendly Tiger shark who, in Adam’s words, “came to see what all the fuss was about!”. Woah.
Have you booked your flight yet, or shall we keep going?
Visit Adam’s recommended spots
With deep wrecks and shallow coral reefs, you’ll find various dive sites to suit your level. There is truly something for everyone! Here are Adam’s favourites for entry-level freedivers, and the more advanced among us:
Ex-HMAS Brisbane wreck off Mooloolaba – Sunshine Coast
A 10-minute boat ride off the coast of Mooloolaba lies the wreck of HMAS Brisbane, a 133 metre/436 foot warship, which sits 27 metres/88 feet deep and is teaming with marine life over an artificial reef. Adam loves how easily accessible the warship is, with moorings and “amazing deep swim-throughs,” making it the ideal playground for more advanced freedivers to explore. Plus, there are regular sightings of rays, groupers, octopuses, and more!
Lady Elliot Island
At the southernmost tip of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef is Lady Elliot Island. A highly protected ‘Green Zone,’ this coral cay boasts over 1,200 species of marine life. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins, turtles, and giant manta rays! Adam encourages newbies to explore all the island offers by “simply jumping offshore to start their adventure.”
We’re adding Southern Queensland to our freediving bucket-list. If you’re inspired, hit up AmbassaDiver, Adam, for your next freediving adventure, and be sure to share your underwater snaps with us at #PADI.
Find a PADI Freediver Center in your area, or worldwide here.