Explore an incredible underwater world off the coast of Bundaberg and tick the Southern Great Barrier Reef off your bucket-list with these diving and snorkeling hotspots.
BARGARA BASIN
Need to freshen up on your snorkeling skills or start from scratch? There’s no better spot for beginners and those less confident snorkelers than the Bargara Basin. Protected by basalt rock walls, spot plentiful fish under the surface in a calmer environment before gaining your snorkeling mojo and exploring deeper waters.
LADY ELLIOT ISLAND & LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND
Meet the two ladies of the Southern Great Barrier Reef – Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island. Two of the southernmost coral cays making up the Southern Great Barrier Reef, these jewels are just a stone throw away from the Bargara coastline and are overflowing with abundant marine life making this an ideal snorkeling and diving hotspot. Both islands are suitable for beginners and advanced snorkelers and divers. Be sure to tick this world-heritage listed site off your bucket list and marvel at the underwater world below.
REEF WITHIN REACH
1. BAROLIN ROCKS
Not able to spend every weekend exploring the depths of the southern great barrier reef? Why not try Barolin Rocks, a local haven that has the reef right within reef with coral ecosystems and incredible marine animals making this mini paradise home. Grab your snorkels and fins before diving into these cool refreshing waters. Head towards Woongarra Marine Park on the outskirts of Bundaberg and you’ll find these brilliant and easy-to-access shore diving havens. Keep your eye’s peeled for turtles, rays and a plethora of various reef fish on your snorkeling expedition.
Local Tip: Pack a picnic and make Palmers Creek picnic area your after-diving rest spot
NOTE:
Be sure to check all weather conditions prior to planning your trip, and ensure that you are constantly aware of your surroundings. If you haven’t snorkelled before, you are required to have a good swimming ability and good fitness, as snorkeling is a strenuous activity. You don’t need complicated equipment, just a well fitted mask, a snorkel and fins! And remember, invite a friend to share your awe-inspiring experience with as you both discover the colourful playground below.
2. HOFFMAN ROCKS
Reef-erred to as the underwater playground of the coral coast, this hidden gem is located just 2km south of Bargara and is a popular spot for turtles, bull rays, schools of reef fish and colourful coral. This dream of a diving spot stretches from a depth of 2m to 10m with its key feature being two largely submerged rock forms that have split and created caverns to swim through. This unique reef within reef diving spot is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Local Tip: You may want to purchase a waterproof disposable camera to capture those breathtaking moments.
NOTE:
Be sure to check all weather conditions prior to planning your trip, and ensure that you are constantly aware of your surroundings. If you haven’t snorkelled before, you are required to have a good swimming ability and good fitness, as snorkeling is a strenuous activity. You don’t need complicated equipment, just a well fitted mask, a snorkel and fins! And remember, invite a friend to share your awe-inspiring experience with as you both discover the colourful playground below.
Scuttled off the coast of Bundaberg is the resting place of EX-HMAS Tobruk. Thriving with abundant marine life and effervescent coral, this former navy-ship has become a popular site for experienced divers. Weave your way through corridors where past sailors walked and explore the depths of this underwater sanctuary while uncovering the rich history behind this incredible vessel. You can book your next EX-HMAS Tobruk dive with Lady Musgrave Experience where you can enjoy refreshments over a buffet lunch and 2 opportunities to dive amongst this unique cavern.
Local tip: Keep an eye out for Brookie, our local EX-HMAS Tobruk resident!