Located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Kellys Beach Resort is the perfect base for exploring the rich marine life and stunning coral formations that this iconic region offers. From tranquil lagoons teeming with vibrant fish to offshore dives with majestic marine species, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller. Let’s dive into the top snorkelling and diving spots you can’t miss, plus tips to make the most of your underwater adventure.
1. Lady Musgrave Island: A Lagoon Wonderland
Lady Musgrave Island, part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is a bucket-list destination for both snorkellers and divers. The island’s surrounding lagoon, protected by a 1,192-hectare coral reef, offers a safe and spectacular environment for exploring marine life.
- Snorkelling Highlights: Lady Musgrave’s shallow lagoon is perfect for snorkellers of all skill levels. Swim alongside schools of parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish as they dart through coral gardens. Sea turtles are frequent visitors, and you might encounter one during your snorkel.
- Diving Adventures: Beyond the lagoon’s sheltered waters, divers can explore vibrant coral walls and bommies. Dive sites here range from 6 to 20 meters, offering encounters with reef sharks, large groupers, and eagle rays.
Tip: The Lady Musgrave Experience includes free snorkel equipment for day trips and overnight stays, with wetsuits available for hire. Join a tour led by an experienced guide for a deeper understanding of the reef’s ecology.
2. Lady Elliot Island: A Turtle Lover’s Paradise
Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is known for its pristine reefs and exceptional snorkelling. Known as the ‘Home of the Manta Ray,’ Lady Elliot Island accounts for approximately 70% of manta sightings on Australia’s East Coast. They seem to prefer the cooler temperatures and the best chance to see these gentle giants is between June until mid-September.
- Snorkelling Spots: The tide-dependent shallow lagoon in front of the resort is perfect for kids and novice snorkellers, it’s a favourite spot to snorkel with schooling fish, small reef sharks and an abundance of turtles. The Coral Gardens also offer a vibrant underwater experience with an array of fish and corals close to shore.
- Diving: Divers must stay at least one night on the island, as you can’t dive and fly on the same day. Explore dive sites like the Blowhole or Manta Ray Bommies for encounters with rays, reef sharks, large fish, and colorful coral formations.
Tip: Snorkel equipment is provided free on day trips and overnight stays, with wetsuits available for hire. Lady Elliot Island also has experienced guides, ensuring an educational and unforgettable snorkelling or diving adventure.
3. Explore the ‘Great Eight’ of the Southern Great Barrier Reef
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is home to the famous ‘Great Eight’—a list of iconic marine creatures including manta rays, turtles, whales, sharks, giant clams, clownfish, potato cod, and the striking Maori wrasse.
- Spotting the Great Eight: Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands are ideal spots to encounter these iconic marine creatures. Turtles can be seen year-round, with nesting season providing an exceptional chance to witness them up close. From June to October, the humpback whale migration brings the added thrill of hearing their songs underwater, enhancing the underwater experience with these majestic giants.
Tip: Join a guided snorkel tour to maximise your chances of seeing all eight creatures. Expert guides understand the habitats and behaviors of these species, helping you make the most of your adventure.
4. Woongarra Marine Park: A Coastal Gem Near Kellys Beach
If you prefer to stay close to Kellys Beach Resort, the Woongarra Marine Park offers fantastic snorkelling and diving experiences just a short distance from the shore. The marine park is a protected area that shelters a diverse range of marine life.
- Shore Snorkelling: Popular entry points include Barolin Rocks, where snorkellers can wade into the water and be greeted by a range of coral species, vibrant sponges, and a plethora of fish. Turtles are often seen here, making it a perfect spot for family-friendly snorkelling adventures.
- Shore Dives: For divers, the underwater ledges and rocky outcrops at Barolin Rocks provide ample opportunities to explore coral formations and marine life such as octopuses, nudibranchs, and wobbegong sharks. Depths range between 5-15 meters, making it ideal for divers of all experience levels.
Tip: Bring your underwater camera! The water clarity here often allows for excellent visibility, providing ample opportunities to capture photos of the vibrant reef life.
5. Hoffman’s Rocks: An Offshore Diving Adventure
For more experienced divers, Hoffman’s Rocks offers an exciting dive site off the coast, featuring rocky ledges, canyons, and caves home to larger marine species.
- Underwater Exploration: With depths ranging from 12 to 30 meters, Hoffman’s Rocks is ideal for those looking to encounter eagle rays, bull rays, and reef sharks. The strong currents bring nutrients, creating a thriving marine ecosystem filled with diverse fish species.
Tip: Due to the currents, it’s recommended to visit Hoffman’s Rocks with a local dive guide who knows the site’s best features and can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. Barolin Rocks: Shore Diving Paradise
Barolin Rocks, located within the Woongarra Marine Park, is a favorite among local divers for its ease of access and rich marine ecosystem.
- Shore Dive Highlights: Walk directly into the water from the rocky shore and explore vibrant coral gardens and marine species like turtles, rays, and reef fish. The site’s depths range from 5 to 18 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. You may also encounter colorful nudibranchs and wobbegong sharks resting among the rocks.
- Snorkelling: Barolin Rocks is great for snorkellers as well, with shallow waters close to shore that allow you to observe smaller marine life and coral formations.
Tip: The site is part of the Great Sandy Marine Park, meaning it’s a protected area. Respect local regulations and practice eco-friendly snorkelling and diving to help preserve its beauty.
Tips for the Best Snorkelling and Diving Experience:
- Check Weather and Tides: The Southern Great Barrier Reef’s conditions can vary, so it’s essential to plan your trip around favorable weather and tide times to ensure clear visibility and safe conditions.
- Gear Up: While snorkelling gear and wetsuits are available for rent at various locations, it’s advisable to bring your own reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and protective clothing. Remember to follow eco-friendly practices to help protect the reef.
- Respect Marine Life: Observing marine animals from a distance and not touching the corals helps preserve the delicate ecosystem. Practice buoyancy control while diving to prevent unintentional damage to the reef.
Make Kellys Beach Resort Your Snorkelling and Diving Hub
Whether you prefer spotting turtles off Lady Elliot Island, exploring coral gardens at Lady Musgrave Island, or diving the shore-accessible sites at Woongarra Marine Park, the Southern Great Barrier Reef offers endless opportunities for underwater exploration. Kellys Beach Resort is perfectly situated to serve as your launchpad for these adventures, offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to these world-class snorkelling and diving locations.
Dive into your next adventure and explore the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef with us—your underwater paradise awaits!