探索汤斯维尔
昆士兰州北部阳光明媚的城市汤斯维尔（Townsville）常常被人们忽略，因为它的邻居更有名气，但这里日照时间超过 320 天，是前往大堡礁（Great Barrier Reef）的最佳地点，是澳大利亚的潜水宝地之一！这里的海水中隐藏着生动的珊瑚和海绵花园，在洛德斯通（Lodestone）、凯尔索（Kelso）和惠勒（Wheeler）等珊瑚礁上，生物繁衍生息。最吸引人的是 SS Yongala 号--一艘沉没于 1911 年的客轮，现在被认为是世界上最好的沉船潜水点之一。它是 "沙漠中的绿洲"，被数公里长的沙子包围，吸引着无数的海洋生物。
附近的磁岛（Magnetic Island）拥有迷人的岩层和宁静的海况，是澳大利亚最受欢迎的初级潜水课程学习地之一。汤斯维尔和磁岛各处的潜水中心和船宿提供从潜水教练到潜水员的各种潜水课程。最长一周的船宿从不同地点出发，是在永加拉或更偏远的奥斯普雷礁上度过更多时间的热门方式。
Top Townsville Dive Sites
1. SS Yongala Wreck
One of the world’s top wreck dives, the SS Yongala lies between 15–33m on sandy seabed. For advanced scuba divers only, it hosts bull sharks, sea snakes, groupers, and mantas. Currents can be strong, and wreck penetration is forbidden. A protected heritage site.
2. Lodestone Reef
Ideal for all levels of scuba divers, Lodestone Reef features coral bommies, gullies, and walls. Visibility is often excellent, with resident reef fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional turtle. A colorful and easy site within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
3. Magnetic Island Reefs
Just 25 minutes by ferry, Magnetic Island offers accessible dives for beginners. Geoffrey, Alma, Florence, and Arthur Bays feature shallow reefs, small wrecks, and diverse marine life. Perfect for snorkelling and freediving in calm, tropical waters.
4. Pelorus Island
A remote site suited for intermediate to advanced scuba divers, Pelorus boasts sharks, mantas, turtles, and over 990 fish species. The island’s fringing reefs offer vibrant corals and are part of a designated conservation area in the Palm Island Group.
5. Wheeler Reef
With depths from 2–18m, Wheeler Reef offers excellent visibility, coral gardens, caves, and lagoons. Expect reef fish schools, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and great macro life. A diverse, protected site suited for all levels and dive styles.