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Sure, but if he also really wants to dive Byron Bay and South West Rocks, then eventually he will need to choose one area or the other. That was the only point I was making; pick a state and dive it, because in the time frame given it's not possible to do both areas. If the preference is for...

Phat diver, basically I'd go with what TBar said. However, in addition to that be aware that due to lack of demand, many Queensland and NSW operators only run regular boats on the weekends, particularly once you get north of the Sunshine Coast and on the NSW north coast. If you're driving up...

A raincoat. :D Seriously, a Lycra stinger suit (rather than a shorty) is a good idea for all the reasons listed. If nothing else it will save you from sunburn. I'm an avowed shorty diver :dork2:, but I wear a full Lycra suit up north. I wouldn't take a 5mm of any sort, because you'll boil...

And lots of dives, unfortunately none of them are underwater...:eyebrow: Seriously though, Wingy's right. Distance will be the problem when it comes to the great dives in Australia. Your non-diving friends probably won't thank you for parking them in Exmouth (Ningaloo), Ayr (Yongala) or South...

Also, if you're at a loose end on the Gold Coast there is some nice diving off Tweed and at Cook Island; all close to shore and really good viz at the moment. Kirra Dive are doing extra mid week trips at the moment because it's so nice.

I don't recall them being thingy about it, but that may be my poor memory. :confused: Sometimes they do three dives per day, if that was the case was time a factor?

Sundive are good in my experience. I've dived with them several times though not in past year. I guess it's luck of the draw re backpackers though, it is a touristy place.

If you're staying in SE Queensland Byron Bay has lovely diving, about two hours drive south of Brisbane. Ten minute boat trip from the shore and lots of creatures.

Noticed that myself. I think it's a FNQ day boat thing! I take my own gear because I usually drive, but if I ever fly up there it will be with a set of fins and boots. As for the 'similar experience' thing, playing Devil's advocate were there any other single divers with 300+ dives? I've...

Done.

Agree with the previous posters; to my knowledge there are no NAUI schools in Brisbane or South East Queensland. SSI/PADI are well represented and there is a Brisbane BSAC chapter. Sunreef at Mooloolaba offer PADI courses (it's about an hour's drive north); I did my rescue cert with them a few...

I heard something recently about them getting a permit and being the first in Australia to offer it, but I don't recall the details. It seems to be snorkel only, not scuba. Swim With Whales. Australian Exclusive Whale Swimming Tours

FWIW, I dived with Yongala Dive about eighteen months ago and they were fine. It's not a nice trip out if you don't like boats (and I don't like boats :shakehead:), but I had no issues with the operator. It is a great dive and IMO was worth the price, though I agree they're expensive...

Politer than some versions. :D I would love to dive both sites, so if BCR are regularly going there then we need to talk. :dork2: I had an aborted dive at Cherub's many years ago when the anchor failed to hold; great tour of sand, an anchor trail and some narcosis 101 at 30m but not much...

Time to take it outside fellahs? ;);) Byron is lovely and South West Rocks is apparently one of the best dives in Australia, though I haven't made it down there yet. :depressed: Brisbane has some great diving off Flinders Reef, though the main operators only go there on the weekend so that may...

I work in aviation and I think you'd be pushing your luck trying to take all your gear as carry on, particularly twenty kilos worth. I haven't worked in the terminals for a few years now, but back then the security screeners were told to look out for heavy carry on bags when they put them...

No worries. Feel free to PM me if you want driving trip details, though it's been a few years since I've been out that way :depressed:. I'm getting itchy wheels thinking about it...probably time I payed a call to the red dirt and dinosaurs again :D.

Do; it's a lot of fun and there's some great stuff to see. However, if you're off the beaten track you need to be totally self sufficient. This isn't impossible (I've done a few remote trips) but you'll need some gear. You should also have off road driving experience; the middle of Australia...

I'd love a drysuit. Care to buy me one? ;) I guess I'm part reptile or something; I even wore a 3mm when diving from Port Douglas in summer, to everyone else's amusement...:dork2:.

Not really a vacation dive, though I'm sure it fits the bill as one of Australia's best spots... :D Needless to say it's a bit out of my league, so I'll take other people's word for it. ADVANCED DIVER MAGAZINE • Beyond Toad Hall Re wetstuits, if you are coming in winter (June -August) and...