With thousands of kilometres of coastline, hundreds of nearby islands, abundant and varied marine life, a mix of tropical and temperate climates and numerous shipwrecks just offshore, the diving and snorkelling in Western Australia is unbeatable.
Ningaloo Reef - Easily Accessible
Well-travelled divers will tell you that few experiences rival Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef for aquatic life and high water visibility.
Wade into the refreshing water at Turquoise Bay and you're floating within a few metres of the reef. Or join a dive boat and dip deeper into this soul-searing underwater kingdom.
The reef is home to abundant marine life including the world's largest fish, the whaleshark, dolphins, dugong, manta rays and turtles.
Respect for the environment is the key to keeping the coral in pristine condition - more than 500 species of fish reflect every colour of the rainbow.
Within Easy Reach of Perth
Jurien Bay, just a three-hour drive north of Perth, is the hub for a marine park stretching from Wedge Island to Greenhead. It's famous for its sea lions, and divers are fascinated by the limestone caves and overhang formations.
Mettams Pool is a calm snorkelling spot within 30 minutes of Perth city, and is ideal for families and beginners. And just off the coast, at Rottnest Island, there's a range of undersea adventures - calm bays attract snorkellers, while boats provide access to the deeper seas.
The Rottnest shipwreck trail tells stories of the 14 shipwrecks found along its coast - information plaques can be seen on the ocean bed.
Cavernous reefs, seagrass meadows and even more shipwrecks surround the islands of Shoalwater Marine Park, just an hour south of Perth. You'll find more sea lions here, and penguins too.
Further south at Dunsborough, about three hours away, there's the Destroyer Escort HMAS Swan - Western Australia's most famous prepared wreck, providing divers with a real adrenalin rush.
The nearby Busselton Jetty has been described as Australia's greatest artificial reef and is host to an awe inspiring forest of vividly coloured tropical and sub tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates. The Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory sits eight metres below sea level and gives a superb view of the marine life and coral.
Further Afield
Western Australia's largest prepared wreck is the HMAS Perth, sunk to 36 metres at Albany on the State's south coast.
Or travel further east to Esperance - a great place to snorkel among sea-dragons. Here you can also explore the Sanko Harvest, which is rated one of the best dives along the Western Australian coast for advanced divers.
The Abrolhos Islands near Geraldton are home to a thriving cray fishing industry, and also some of the most breathtaking diving sites in the State.
Diving enthusiasts staying in Broome will want to visit the beautiful, untouched coral atolls of Rowley Shoals for heart-racing adventure. Access to this natural wonder is by boat only, with charter operators the best option due to the Shoals' remote location.
Animal Interaction
11 Days
Meet some intriguing marine animals by exploring Western Australia's underwater eden. Get up close and personal with whalesharks, manta rays and turtles or watch them at play. View More
Ningaloo Reef
8 Days
The Ningaloo Marine Park stretches from Coral Bay round the North West Cape to Exmouth. For snorkellers, this is an irresistible opportunity to dive. View More