Scubaemma

We're not moving over until next year, but already really looking forward to the diving. OH and I are both Divemasters and been diving all over the world, but used to do most of our diving around UK (especially Dorset and Cornwall - where my parents handily live). But although I love UK diving, I must admit I'm looking forward to leaving the drysuit behind and getting to know the diving delights Brissie has to offer.

I've done a bit of Aussie diving before - fave dives included Exmouth pier and the Yongala, but looking forward to making it a regular thing. We live in London at the moment (and don't have a car) so it's a massive effort to get in to blow some bubbles at all. Sounds like we'd be right to bring all our kit (except drysuits!) with us then?

Just wondering - are there many clubs in Brissie, or do people tend to just book onto any boat (from a dive shop?) that is going out?

cresta57

It seems to me that each dive shop operates a kind of rewards club pay a small fee and save 10% on store goods etc. Each shop has it's own small dive boat that's available for charter, some aren't the most comfortable craft to spend a couple of hours on. Periodically the shops seem to charter one of the bigger boats that are doing the charter rounds.

have a look at Redcliffe dive centre and Blue Zone Scuba

annqldau

You mean those two bright yellow ornamental things that decorate the garage were actually working cylinders that were perfectly legal and worked without problems until we set foot in Aus when they mysteriously became inferior dangerous yellow ornaments?

Sometimes the Australians are not complacent but so pig headed it just defies logic.

r1c1

Hi all.

I'm moving to Melbourne and want to learn to dive. Not as exotic as GBR but is visibility good and is there plenty fun to be had?

Bear in mind i'm a first timer and a few big fish will probably keep me happy.

Steve.

annqldau

Have heard rumours you still need semi-dry or dry suit in Melbourne area but haven't dived there myself.

northerner

Any other divers in the Sydney area? Everyone seems to be in Brisbane!!

Great diving down here don't you know - piccy from this weekend...

Graham

esperanza

What a fab pic!! I need to look in to getting a casing for my camera.
Not in Australia yet, but will be just inland from Newcastle in April, hoping to dive up and down the coast from there. (That's when I discover some hidden gem of a bargain equipment retailer to kit myself out and still have money left to actually get out on a boat!!)

annqldau

Our local shop often goes to Byron Bay but we haven't had the chance to go yet but it's on the wish list.

themerlin

This there an Oz version of BSAC ie a non profit club.
Or is it just PADI (Put Another Dolar In) over here.

northerner

Byron? That's closer to Brissie than Sydney isn't it?

Went up there over Christmas - excellent diving, particularly out at Julian Rocks. Lots and lots of big rays (including gorgeous Eagle Ray). Can't wait to go back.

Also did Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks - Quality diving.

Graham

annqldau

Yes closer to Brisbane than Sydney... hence why it's on our list of must do dives... .

annqldau

We just bit the bullet and re did with PADI on the basis that they still seem the most world wide excepted. Ironically if we'd done ours with PADI instead of the local club in the first place, we wouldn't have had to spend it all again re doing it all here. Sub Aqua wouldn't let us remain off shore members so then the dive quals ran out once club membership expired... .

walaj

I'm in Syd, but have not been diving yet & we have been here over a year now. I do have the excuse that for the first 8mths I was pregnant, now with not so little bubs & house hunting.

where abouts in syd are you?

walaj

there is a BSAC club in Sydney, but don't think there are any others. Could try the BSAC website to check.

walaj

what???
left uk BSAC club, not joined one here (probably join Sydney BSAC). Are you saying the BSAC qualifications expire/not transferrable??? (btw I qualified up to Dive Leader Advanced Nitrox, O2 & 1st Aid for divers) I had a gap in BSAC membership in UK during 1st pregnancy & there were no issues.