Australia’s waters hold something for everyone, whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or enjoy activities that are a little more relaxing. If you’re wanting to visit underwater creatures along the East Coast, here are four great spots to check out.
1. Cage diving with sharks in Port Lincoln, SA
Strap in for a full-day adventure. Located in Port Lincoln is an adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other – cage diving with great white sharks. Calypso Star Charters, who are fully licensed by the Department of Environment and Water, run a daily expedition out to the Neptune Islands Marine Park. There, take the plunge into the water, safe within a massive cage, and see who spots who first out of you and the sharks! Don’t worry, you don’t need any diving experience to participate.
You’d have to have nerves of steel to not get a thrill seeing these monstrous marine animals swimming around your cage. However, despite their powerful appearance and dauntingly sharp teeth, these stunning creatures are classified as a vulnerable and protected animal within Australia’s waters. Make sure you listen in as your tour guides talk to you about the great white sharks, and finish the day with a greater appreciation for the formidable creatures.
2. Dive with grey nurse sharks at Seal Rocks, NSW
Staying with the shark theme, it’s time to compare great whites with grey nurse sharks. Out at Seal Rocks, where sandy beaches and craggy outcroppings create a visually stunning area, you’d never know that lurking beneath the waves there are potentially 50 or more sharks.
Grey nurse sharks are surprisingly harmless unless provoked, which might shock you after a glimpse at their mouths full of jumbled, needle-like teeth. However, this makes diving into the water to view them in one of their favourite locations a great experience. Just be careful of the current that can run strong here when heading down to visit the underwater gutter.
3. Snorkel with cuttlefish in Sydney
Cuttlefish are beautiful and strange creatures. They come in a variety of luminescent patterns and colours, and some species are even nicknamed the chameleons of the sea for how they can change their appearance to blend in with their surroundings.
During the cuttlefish breeding season, between April and September, Sydney is a great spot to admire these creatures. Additionally, you don’t even have to know how to dive! Simply grab your snorkelling gear out of your Sydney hire car, and swim out at Shelly Beach for your chance to catch a sight of a cuttlefish.
4. Go swimming with dwarf minke whales at Great Barrier Reef
Timing is everything if you want to go swimming with this marine animal. You’ll find dwarf minke whales just off the Great Barrier Reef for the two months of June and July only, but they’re well worth the effort.
The Great Barrier Reef is known for many incredible reasons, however these mammals are possibly the best lesser-known stars of the area. Trail out behind the tour boat, holding onto a line with other swimmers, and you might be lucky enough to find clusters of the curious whales swimming around you. Of course, while you’re in the area there’s plenty of other marine adventures for you to take part in as well!
Australia is rich in marine life along it’s East Coast. Grab your hire car from Adelaide, and see what you can spot on your drive along the coastline.