The Best Ocean Experiences in Australia

With well over 25,000km of coastline, you might have guessed that Australia is a good bet for marine activities. Here’s a list of the top five best ocean experiences for anyone who isn’t afraid to get wet.

Swim with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef

Ever wanted to dive into the ocean with the world’s largest fish? Or to say you have, anyway? Head off to Western Australia and cruise through coral lagoons and snorkel the 260km Ningaloo Reef just off the coast of the Marine Park, home to 250 species of coral and double the species of fish. Don’t forget to bring a camera to prove to your friends back home you swam alongside a fish as big as a bus.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Almost goes without saying, doesn’t it? You can’t visit Oz without donning a snorkel mask and diving into the world’s largest coral reef and the planet’s biggest single structure of living organisms. The massive composition of reef and islands can be seen from outer space and houses 10% of the planet’s fish species. Not bad.

Cage-dive with Great Whites

Well, that’s one to cross off the bucket list. Whether you’re facing your fears, looking for a thrill or just want to see one of this majestic and notorious animals up close, what you’ll find is an unforgettable experience. Tours such as Shark Cage Diving (in Port Lincoln) alongside the Great Whites themselves can be found around the Australian coast, in particular in South Australia, and can grow to up to 20 feet – that’s a lot bigger than you. Go on, we dare you.

Swim with Dolphins in Bunbury

Koombana Bay, just south of Perth, is one of the few places on the planet, and the one place in Oz, where you can swim with wild dolphins in the water, see them from a boat  or spot them from the shoreline. Dolphin swim tours offer trips every day between October and April, offering an up-close-and-personal experience with the Bunbury bottlenoses. Just in case you didn’t like sharks.

Surf at Margaret River

So you’ve seen all the wildlife and now you want some action? Margaret River, is south west WA is widely recognised as one of the world’s top favourite surf hunting-grounds. There are over 40 top surf spots down the town’s coast, with everything from strong reef breaks to laid-back beach surf. And when you get tired? Margaret River also doubles up as one of the world’s favourite wine-regions.

Images courtesy of Great Barrier Reef Encounter, Chewb62, I. De Souza, Shark Cage Diving, Troy Mayne and Michael Spencer

By Sarah Morland