© Scubapro

Explore Sunshine Coast

Australia’s Sunshine Coast is a hidden gem for scuba divers, offering a remarkable underwater experience in Queensland’s vibrant marine ecosystem. With the warm, subtropical waters teeming with life, divers can explore a diverse range of environments, from the bustling reefs of Mooloolaba to the historic Tangalooma Wrecks. These sunken treasures, nestled in sandy seabeds, are home to an array of marine life, including grey nurse sharks, stingrays, and the occasional loggerhead turtle. The area’s rich biodiversity ensures that every dive is filled with captivating encounters.

Dive enthusiasts have a plethora of options when it comes to exploring the Sunshine Coast. From shore dives to boat and liveaboard experiences, the region caters to all preferences. Adventurous divers might find themselves embarking on a weekend trip aboard a liveaboard, venturing out to the iconic Ex-HMAS Brisbane and the stunning coral formations near Noosa. With dive centres strategically located near hotspots like Mooloolaba, accessing these underwater wonders is both convenient and thrilling. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, the Sunshine Coast promises unforgettable adventures beneath the waves.

Upcoming Events

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
September 27, 2026
$159.31
A$225.00
Perfect Buoyancy

Perfect Buoyancy

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
September 27, 2026 +2 More
$247.11
A$349.00
Navigation

Navigation

In this specialty program, you will gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to safely and confidently navigate underwater. You will learn how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques, estimate distance, how to leave and return to a designated point, plus basic navigation patterns. You will also be taught how to combine navigation techniques to enhance your diving experience. All of which hones your underwater observation skills, improves your dive safety and helps you to get the most out of every dive. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Navigation Specialty certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
October 31, 2026
$317.92
A$449.00
Stress & Rescue

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
October 10, 2026
$506.27
A$715.00
Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
October 18, 2026
$159.31
A$225.00
Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
November 20, 2026 +1 More
$159.31
A$225.00
Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
September 27, 2026
$159.31
A$225.00
Solomon Island Liveaboard - SPECIAL

Solomon Island Liveaboard - SPECIAL

Dive the Last True Hidden Gem of the South Pacific

SCUBA WORLD, 207 Brisbane Road, 4557, Mooloolaba, QLD, AUS
June 7, 2027
$4,602.42
A$6,500.00
Find Courses & Events

Dive Activity

Diving in the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast diving is renowned for its impressive shark diving, where divers will find themselves swimming alongside large grey nurse sharks, white-tip reef sharks, shovel-nosed and sleek whaler sharks. Wreck-enthusiasts will delight at the vast range of aircraft and ships that can be explored including the Ex-HMAS Brisbane and the Tangalooma Wrecks at Moreton Island. Both the Noosa and Mooloolaba Reefs have an incredibly diverse topography. Divers can venture around canyons, ridges, bommies, pinnacles, walls and caves while discovering several intricate reef systems including the Inner and Outer Gneerings. Keen macro-photographers will be impressed by the array of ‘small stuff’ adorning gorgonian sea fans, soft and hard corals.

Dive Centers

SCUBA WORLD

SCUBA WORLD

207 Brisbane Road, 4557 Mooloolaba, QLD - Australia

Dive Sites

SCUBA WORLD, 4557 Mooloolaba
Hanging Rock (★3.7)

Hanging Rock (★3.7)

Hanging Rock was given its name due to an enormous rocky outcrop which overhangs a sandy trench below. The underside of the overhang is a photographers delight! Here you will find beautiful sun corals feeding in the tranquil sway of the ocean.
SCUBA WORLD, 4557 Mooloolaba
HMAS Brisbane (Wreck) (★4.1)

HMAS Brisbane (Wreck) (★4.1)

The HMAS Brisbane was scuttled in July 2005 to create an artificial reef off Mooloolaba’s Sunshine Coast. The Queensland government created a Conservation Park around the wreck. This wreck is buzzing with beautiful marine life.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Big Plates (★3.7)

Big Plates (★3.7)

Big Plates boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
MKVI (★3.8)

MKVI (★3.8)

MK6 boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Wonderland (★3.7)

Wonderland (★3.7)

Wonderland boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Scubapro
Pinnacles (★3.7)

Pinnacles (★3.7)

The pinnacles is one of the most popular dive sites on the Mooloolaba Coral Reefs. There are 2 pinnacles that rise from the sand in 24 metres. The top of one pinnacle is 16 metres and the other rises to 14 metres. This site is very easy to navigate with beautiful corals and tropical fish.
Scubapro
The Caves (★3.4)

The Caves (★3.4)

It’s virtually impossible to get lost at this great dive site, given the ledge that runs in an East – West direction. We recommend you check out the mini cave that usually has large pelagics,
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Soup Kitchen (★3.6)

Soup Kitchen (★3.6)

Soup Kitchen boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Butterflies (★3.9)

Butterflies (★3.9)

Butterfly is a unique dive site that we get to visit on special occasions. Hill like surroundings and overhanging structures, lots to see on this amazing dive site.
Aqualung
Wobby Rock, Gneering Shoals (★3.9)

Wobby Rock, Gneering Shoals (★3.9)

A scattering of boulders appear to have formed a reef (tops with depth of approx 13 metres and a sea floor sitting between 15 and 18 metres). There are plenty of gaps and holes for marine life to hide, including a small cave.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Nurse Rock (★3.9)

Nurse Rock (★3.9)

Imagine a mini grand canyon, two large rocks rest side by side, with a split between the two. There are lots of bait fish between the two rocks. At the base of the rock you will find two tight swim throughs (tunnels).
Mares, Janez Kranjc
THE HOLE (★3.9)

THE HOLE (★3.9)

Local reef dive site, suitable for beginner divers. Vary depths. Majority of the topography is coral and sand with slight rocky face in areas.
Scubapro
Clown Reef (★4.0)

Clown Reef (★4.0)

CLOWN FISH EVERYWHERE! Dropping down on this site looks like boulder city at one end and gullys at the other. You can find 1000’s of anemonies and clownish at this site.
Mares
Aussie’s Reef, Gneering Shoals (★4.0)

Aussie’s Reef, Gneering Shoals (★4.0)

A reef top (approx depth 13 metres) sticks out from the sea floor (approx depth 18 metres), forming some overhanging structure. A sandy bottom lies between the structure and flatter coral sea beds.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Mudjimba Island Reef SW (★3.3)

Mudjimba Island Reef SW (★3.3)

The reef to the SW of Mudjimba Island offers a shallow wall that drops off (to approx 8 to 15 metres) from the reef top (depth of approx 3 to 6 metres). “Mudjimba“ is the islands aboriginal name (and translates to “Old Woman“), with origin from an indigenous dream time story.

The best Months to dive in the Sunshine Coast

Due to its subtropical climate, Sunshine Coast diving is possible year-round yet some species are more abundant at certain times of the year. During the winter months, from June through to October, humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coastline. At these times, divers are likely to see humpback whales on their surface intervals. In the later winter months, sharks are also more abundant and this is the most popular time to dive alongside grey nurse sharks.

Top Wildlife Sightings in the Sunshine Coast

On the Ex-HMAS Brisbane alone; clownfish, anemone, octopus, scorpionfish, lionfish, and giant Queensland grouper can be encountered. On the sandy seafloor surrounding the wreck, hermit crabs, leopard shark or shovelnose ray and spectacular soaring bull rays can be seen. At the impressive reef systems of Mooloolaba, Noosa, and Flinders Reef, loggerhead and green turtles can be witnessed breaching the surface for a breath of fresh air while wobbegong shark rest lazily on the seabed. The coral gardens are home to an array of marine invertebrates including feather stars, hermit crabs, urchins, and over 100 varieties of nudibranch. Occasionally, seasonal manta rays appear while grey nurse shark and sleek whaler sharks glide around the reef searching for their next meal.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
706 Sightings
J
75
F
34
M
38
A
49
M
21
J
71
J
70
A
85
S
63
O
69
N
89
D
42

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
706 Sightings
J
78
F
33
M
45
A
48
M
49
J
79
J
78
A
71
S
45
O
73
N
41
D
66

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
630 Sightings
J
45
F
11
M
24
A
40
M
19
J
50
J
71
A
88
S
72
O
83
N
56
D
71

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
616 Sightings
J
144
F
47
M
42
A
39
M
18
J
39
J
24
A
23
S
23
O
67
N
68
D
82
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
516 Sightings
J
43
F
6
M
7
A
54
M
20
J
77
J
46
A
63
S
52
O
59
N
58
D
31
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
220 Sightings
J
41
F
14
M
0
A
23
M
3
J
14
J
0
A
13
S
23
O
43
N
36
D
10
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle
206 Sightings
J
21
F
0
M
0
A
18
M
22
J
24
J
3
A
24
S
20
O
24
N
21
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
166 Sightings
J
32
F
1
M
17
A
32
M
18
J
2
J
11
A
5
S
13
O
5
N
13
D
17
AdobeStock-Magnus
Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale
84 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
0
A
18
S
39
O
23
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
1.2k Sightings
J
141
F
37
M
65
A
99
M
73
J
108
J
141
A
139
S
80
O
122
N
152
D
90

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
1.2k Sightings
J
139
F
43
M
47
A
102
M
51
J
83
J
119
A
151
S
84
O
121
N
128
D
89

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
1.1k Sightings
J
114
F
40
M
67
A
96
M
64
J
107
J
117
A
106
S
100
O
111
N
83
D
96

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
1.1k Sightings
J
115
F
34
M
57
A
104
M
55
J
77
J
103
A
138
S
94
O
110
N
85
D
83

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
901 Sightings
J
100
F
24
M
45
A
88
M
54
J
64
J
84
A
119
S
57
O
88
N
108
D
70

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
695 Sightings
J
77
F
20
M
20
A
39
M
23
J
80
J
62
A
109
S
49
O
76
N
78
D
62

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
660 Sightings
J
53
F
22
M
26
A
47
M
29
J
61
J
61
A
105
S
55
O
68
N
84
D
49

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
627 Sightings
J
43
F
14
M
19
A
59
M
24
J
57
J
66
A
98
S
66
O
61
N
82
D
38
iStock-Nigel Marsh
Wobbegong

Wobbegong
589 Sightings
J
29
F
6
M
17
A
51
M
19
J
84
J
104
A
139
S
55
O
54
N
11
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
584 Sightings
J
61
F
29
M
25
A
39
M
27
J
58
J
57
A
66
S
51
O
57
N
68
D
46

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
574 Sightings
J
55
F
13
M
23
A
41
M
22
J
50
J
72
A
92
S
27
O
44
N
63
D
72

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
502 Sightings
J
46
F
14
M
30
A
40
M
18
J
59
J
59
A
37
S
46
O
59
N
49
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
492 Sightings
J
48
F
3
M
20
A
43
M
45
J
40
J
51
A
86
S
27
O
50
N
39
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
483 Sightings
J
73
F
31
M
26
A
35
M
12
J
25
J
20
A
24
S
32
O
66
N
61
D
78

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
448 Sightings
J
31
F
3
M
19
A
30
M
24
J
63
J
40
A
58
S
38
O
40
N
58
D
44

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
382 Sightings
J
30
F
11
M
22
A
28
M
19
J
45
J
35
A
34
S
28
O
38
N
46
D
46

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
311 Sightings
J
45
F
10
M
12
A
16
M
3
J
36
J
27
A
47
S
19
O
30
N
46
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
291 Sightings
J
21
F
0
M
9
A
14
M
1
J
39
J
31
A
55
S
35
O
20
N
36
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
281 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
0
M
5
J
9
J
84
A
89
S
50
O
24
N
13
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
274 Sightings
J
30
F
0
M
0
A
22
M
11
J
35
J
28
A
36
S
22
O
31
N
26
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
262 Sightings
J
38
F
1
M
5
A
4
M
11
J
27
J
24
A
21
S
17
O
39
N
36
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
252 Sightings
J
12
F
1
M
7
A
41
M
10
J
26
J
21
A
50
S
8
O
28
N
18
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
240 Sightings
J
27
F
0
M
1
A
19
M
14
J
29
J
31
A
23
S
16
O
22
N
31
D
27

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Stonefish

Stonefish
214 Sightings
J
28
F
16
M
14
A
23
M
10
J
21
J
11
A
19
S
12
O
32
N
14
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
194 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
6
A
11
M
0
J
26
J
16
A
27
S
22
O
8
N
57
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
119 Sightings
J
19
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
18
J
0
A
16
S
14
O
18
N
21
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
95 Sightings
J
16
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
27
J
0
A
14
S
10
O
4
N
13
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
Tuna

Tuna
80 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
10
M
0
J
24
J
0
A
0
S
12
O
13
N
11
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett
Guitarfish

Guitarfish
73 Sightings
J
25
F
0
M
14
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
10
N
12
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
52 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
0
A
7
S
0
O
4
N
14
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
42 Sightings
J
14
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
3
A
0
S
2
O
12
N
7
D
2