Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diving Courses & Prices
Every major town along the Queensland coast has a dive school, but standards and dive
options vary - it's worthwhile doing some research before signing up. Many budget
courses only offer shore dives, which can be less interesting than open-water dives out on
far-flung sections of the reef. At the other end of the scale, some of the more expensive
courses enable you to live aboard a boat or yacht for several days far from the mainland,
with all your meals included in the price.
Multiday PADI open-water courses cost anywhere from $400 to $800; one-day intro-
ductory courses start at around $200. Normally you have to show that you can tread water
for 10 minutes and swim 200m before you can start a course. Many schools will also re-
quire that you undertake a medical, which usually costs extra (around $80). For certified
divers, renting gear and going on a two-tank day dive generally costs between $150 and
$200. Snorkellers can hire a mask, snorkel and fins from a dive shop for around $30 to
$50.
STINGER WARNING
All water activities, including diving and snorkelling, are affected by stingers (box jellyfish), which can be found
at any time of year off the Queensland coast and in river mouths, from Agnes Water north. They are dangerous
and should not be taken lightly. Look for the stinger-resistant enclosures at beaches during the peak stinger sea-
son, which runs from November to May. Never enter the water at beaches that have been closed due to stingers,
and consider using a full-body lycra suit if you must swim in the water during stinger season.
Surfing
From a surfer's perspective, Queensland's Great Barrier Reef is one of nature's tragic er-
rors - it's effectively a 2000km-long breakwater! Mercifully, there are some pumping surf
beaches along the coast in southern Queensland. The Gold Coast has great breaks, as does
virtually the entire shoreline of the Sunshine Coast. Get your hands on a copy of Mark
Warren's definitive
Atlas of Australian Surfing
for the low-down on the best breaks.
You can hire boards from almost any surf shop along the coast, and op shops in surf
towns are usually full of used boards. But unless you're taking lessons, it's best to start off
with boogie boarding and work your way up - surfing isn't as easy as it looks! Always
ask locals and lifesavers about the severity of breaks, rips and hazards - broken boards,
noses and egos are not uncommon, particularly among inexperienced surfers with lofty
ambitions.
