Garie Beach

Are Australian beaches/waters better than in the Caribbean?

I am an avid diver and have only been to Caribbean islands. I'm in love with the Grand Caymans and Cozumel, but have always dreamed of diving in Australia. For anyone who has experienced both, what are your opinions? I'm not looking for good surf...just amazing diving! Of course I want to dive the Great Barrier Reef, but are there many other wonderful locations? I'm moving to Australia for a year and will likely begin in Sydney for a few months and then probably head to the Queensland area. I love nothing more than soft white sand beaches and crystal clear waters!!! :)

Public Comments

1. We have the best beaches in the whole world and the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, you will love it! Dont just do Sydney to Queensland, go around the whole continent, lol.
2. Aussie beaches are the best. Possibly the best diving also.. I have never been diving.. but a friend of mine ahs dived all around the world.. and he says nothing tops australia.. try all over australia.. there are many different types of climates and diving locations. :D
3. Be sure to visit the Whitsundays, you will love it around there. Beautiful clear water and white sands, scuba diving, snorkling, everything.
4. Go up to as close to cape York as you can and you will find the soft white sand beaches and crystal clear waters you want. But always dive with a buddy or group as there are Saltwater Crocs around up there.
5. I have only been to the Bahamas and I thought it was very overrated. The GBR is the biggest coral reef in the world and has great diving. Less well known is Ningaloo reef on the west coast. It also has great diving with a few extra bonuses like whale sharks. I can highly recommend the diving in Fiji as well (stop over on the way). Given that you are an avid diver you should do one of those dive charters that goes out to the GBR for a few days to a week. It is a much better option than doing day trips (where you spend about 4 hours getting out and back leaving only a couple of hours to dive). This is also a much cheaper option if you want to do lots of diving. If you don't mind cold water there are dive sites in Victoria and Tasmania where you can dive with seals etc. In South Australia you can dive with great white sharks (in a cage of course).