Dive in Adelaide

Diving in Adelaide

Adelaide has some of the most unique diving in Australia with many experiences to choose from depending on your interest and there’s something for all levels.  With great wrecks, reefs, caves and drop offs to explore, you can spend a few days enjoying the diverse underwater landscape and cool marine life.

There aren’t any dive centres in the city centre but you’ll find a few in the surrounding areas.  With 20 sites within a 30 minute boat ride from Glenelg you have some options to choose from.  The area is famous for the Leafy Sea Dragons, Great White Sharks and mating cuttlefish but there are so many other wonderful marine animals to see such as nudibranchs, sea horses, reef fish and some great macro life. 

One of the best wreck dives in the state is The Dredge where you can find some big schools of fish and maybe a crab or cuttlefish hiding around the wreckage.  Another wreck dive is the Glenelg Barge. 

Rapid Bay Jetty is probably the best place to see the Leafy Sea Dragon and macro photographers will have a ball here.  Broken Bottom and Leather Jacket Alley are similar sites but have the best visibility and you can see the Leather Jacket fish and other common cold water species. 

The water is pretty cold (about 10 degrees in the winter) so it’s best to use a dry suit or thick wetsuit but if you like the cold water then this diving will keep you busy and show you some of the more interesting underwater environments in Australia.

(By Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Adelaide

The capital city of South Australia and the fifth largest city in the country, Adelaide is a stylish and enchanting city set right on the water where river meets ocean and amidst the fabulous and very famous wine regions of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley.  This city is a number one destination for wine and food lovers.

Adelaide is well connected to other major Australian cities by bus and train.  There are regular flights to all other state capitals and international flights to some countries in Asia.  For some stunning scenery, take a drive from Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road and enjoy some of the best landscapes in the country. 

It’s cheaper here for accommodation than most major Australian cities.  You can find a dorm bed for under $20 a night, a double room for as little as $55 with shared facilities or 5 star luxury rooms from about $200.  You can camp in the Adelaide Hills or surrounding national parks very cheap.

It’s easy to get around the city on foot, most of the sites are close together and the main street in town is King William Street.  There are museums, galleries, botanic gardens, a casino and parliament house.  For great views of the city and surrounds visit Adelaide Hills and Montefiore Hill and the historic beachside town of Glenelg has lots of bars and cafes on the water to chill out in. 

Hahndorf is a small German settlement with a chocolate factory and strawberry farm where you can pick your own strawberries, yum!  If you’re around the city in March then the Clipsal 500 Supercar race is on so expect a few great parties or the Fringe Festival which showcases some fabulous local and international music.  The area is full of conservation parks and wildlife reserves so check out a few of the local animals. 

China Town and the Central Market have the best selection of cheap food.  There is an international flair in the city’s restaurants so you have a great selection to choose from.  Trying the local wine is a must and most restaurants will allow you to bring your own and you pay a corkage charge which usually works out cheaper.  Be sure to visit the vineyards to try some of the best wine in Australia . 

With so much to see and do, you’ll fill up a few great days in Adelaide.  Make sure you carry a jacket with you as it can get a little chilly in the night.

(By Kelly Luckman)