The lesser travelled state of West Australia rewards those who delve into its rugged coastline with incredible marine life and sites where you may have the water completely to yourself, with not another diver seen for miles! Starting from the most remote area found while WA diving, Broome, divers can explore Western Australia’s best-kept secret of Rowley Shoal Marine Park. Only possible to visit via liveaboards, the three huge coral atolls have towering walls, thrilling drift dives, and awe-striking reefs which are visited by manta rays, humpback whale, and hammerhead shark - pure magic!
Another place for divers to witness manta rays and humpback whale are Exmouth and Coral Bay, the gateways to the shallow reefs, seagrass, and intricate swim-throughs of Ningaloo Reef. Home to 500 species of fish and over 300 species, Ningaloo is the place to see the whale shark, where you can swim beside the fascinating creatures. At Exmouth, macro critters can be found within Lighthouse Bay among crevices and overhangs while dugongs feed in patches of seagrass.
Further south, Geraldton is the access point to the intricate reefs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. Found among the chain of 122 islands divers can discover numerous wrecks in the ‘Graveyard of Ships’ while the Australian sea lion, bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles all reside in the Abrolhos’ waters. While scuba diving Western Australia, visiting the state’s capital city, Perth, is a must. Here, divers can enter by the shore to observe the western rock lobster, which is prominent to the area, or head further offshore to Rottnest Island to search for weedy sea dragons, wobbegong shark, and grey nurse shark sheltering in caves and seagrass meadows.
Rockingham and Busselton provide access to the famous HMAS Swan Wreck while travelling further south at Albany, divers can admire the HMAS Perth. While at Albany, head to Seal Cove to dive with sea lions who bound out to greet and spend a whole hour swimming with you! At many of Western Australia’s remote dive locations, dive centres are few and dive resorts non-existent, so often the best way to explore WA diving is via liveaboards.
Explore Coral BayCoral Bay is one of two access points to the world’s largest fringing reef system
Explore RockinghamOnly a short trip from Western Australia’s capital city of Perth lies Rockingham
Explore PerthIn Western Australia is Perth, where people come to enjoy the laidback atmosphere, beau
Explore GeraldtonGeraldton is a port city in Western Australia and the gateway to the Houtman Abrolh
Explore ExmouthExmouth, in Western Australia, is the gateway to Australia’s iconic Ningaloo Reef a
Explore BussletonBusselton city is located in the south-west region of Western Australia. Scuba divi
Explore BroomeSituated 186 miles off the coast of Broome, Western Australia, is The Rowley Shoals Ma
Ningaloo Reef is the largest fringing reef in the world, and it stretches for over 260 kilometers
Western Australia boasts world-class dive sites. The Navy Pier in Exmouth is famous for its dense marine life and easy shore access, ideal for night dives. Ningaloo Reef offers vibrant coral gardens and seasonal encounters with whale sharks and manta rays.
Liveaboards head to the remote Rowley Shoals for pristine drift and wall dives. For wreck lovers, the HMAS Swan near Dunsborough offers safe penetration and abundant marine growth. The Batavia wreck at the Abrolhos Islands adds historical intrigue to underwater exploration.
Western Australia also offers unique freshwater diving at sites like the freshwater lakes of Lake Clifton and Lake Thetis, known for their ancient thrombolites—living microbial structures. These shore dives are shallow but biologically fascinating.
Inland quarries near Perth, like Lake Stockton, are popular for training dives and offer calm conditions with visibility that varies seasonally. While freshwater fish are limited, the surreal underwater landscapes and rare geological features provide a distinctive experience for adventurous divers
Diving in Western Australia is possible year-round, with conditions varying by region. Water temperatures range from 22–28°C in the north (Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef) and 18–24°C in the south (Perth, Albany). Visibility can exceed 30 meters in offshore sites like Rowley Shoals, but averages 10–20 meters closer to shore.
Summer (December–February) brings warmer water but stronger winds in the south. Winter (June–August) may have cooler temps but calmer seas. Northern regions generally offer more stable diving year-round.
Freshwater diving in Western Australia is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 10°C in winter (June–August) to around 22°C in summer (December–February). A 5–7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended in cooler months.
Visibility varies by site and season, generally best in late summer and autumn when runoff is minimal. Heavy winter rains can reduce clarity, especially in rivers. Spring offers unique sightings during fish spawning. The best diving is typically from February to May.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
