Explore ACT
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) contains Australia’s capital Canberra and is an enclave within the state of New South Wales (NSW). Scuba diving in ACT operates from Canberra’s dive centres and clubs, which offer dive courses from Open Water to Instructor featuring shore dives in NSW’s waters. Many of the centres offer day trips to dive the best sites of NSW and international trips to stay in dive resorts in tropical locations.
The most northerly dive area visited while ACT diving is South West Rocks. Large populations of grey nurse sharks patrol the waters here while large rays and sea turtle are also witnessed. Travelling further south toward Canberra, Bass Point Reserve features caverns, seagrass meadows and gutters ideal for sighting weedy sea dragons, bull stingrays and giant cuttlefish. Jervis Bay, a 3-hour drive from Canberra, has calm protected sites as well as current-swept walls and deep caves reserved only for technical divers. September to October is the peak season for swimming with and watching migratory humpback whales.
Two hours from Canberra, Batemans Bay invites divers to explore tunnels, caverns, and protected bays. Witness grey nurse, wobbegong and Port Jackson shark. Further south from Batemans Bay, Narooma’s Montague Island offers the unique opportunity to dive with up to 1,800 Australian fur seals.
Top ACT Dive Sites
Fish Rock Cave (South West Rocks)
Rated among Australia’s top five dive sites, this advanced cave dive features two entrances at 12m and 24m. Inside, divers can ascend into a unique air pocket. Expect grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs, and Queensland groupers year-round.
Blue Devil Cave (Bass Point Reserve)
This scenic site is best for intermediate to advanced divers. Known for its deep crevices and vibrant soft corals, it's a hotspot for pygmy seahorses and blue devil fish. Ideal for macro photography within a protected marine area.
The Chimney (Batemans Bay)
Accessible from shore, this advanced dive includes a 5–7m vertical swim-through into a cavern. Walls adorned with nudibranchs, starfish, and soft coral create a surreal atmosphere. A thrilling dive for the experienced.
Governors Wall (Jervis Bay)
A drift dive along a coral-encrusted wall dropping to 25m. Best for experienced divers, it offers excellent visibility and a variety of marine life in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, known for its pristine underwater landscapes.
Bushrangers Bay (Shellharbour)
Located within a marine sanctuary, this easy-access site suits all levels. Calm waters reveal weedy sea dragons, octopus, and schooling fish. Ideal for snorkelling, freediving, or relaxed scuba exploration in protected conditions.
