New South Wales, on the East coast of Australia, may not have the glitz and fame of its northern neighbour, the Great Barrier Reef, but it has some stunning diving all of its own. The diving here is incredibly varied and there is plenty for both beginner and advanced divers.

Most of the places where diving is popular have an abundance of dive centres, if not dive resorts. Liveaboards don’t tend to be a big business here as most dive sites are close to shore. The proximity of many locations to tourist destinations and population hubs, dive courses - particularly for beginners - are popular. Sydney (the capital of NSW) is a very popular location to begin your dive adventure. 
The region spans a large distance of the coastline, allowing for a wide variety of diving. In the north, the temperatures stay fairly tropical in the 20's year round whereas the southern regions have winter water temperatures below 10°C. 

The convergence of warmer waters from the north and colder waters from the south combine to create stunning marine biodiversity. During the summer months, you can see leopard sharks and manta rays and grey nurse sharks and wobbegongs year round. A favourite encounter for many is with fur seals, who delight divers with their inquisitive nature and complete ease around divers. 

Other popular sights are wrecks, caves and the beautiful water quality that is found at most of the dive sites here. The ease of access from Sydney to many of these destinations mean that they are some of the most established dive sites in the country. 

Lord Howe Island - This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tiny island nestled in the Tasman Sea that sits at the conjunction of 5 major ocean currents. Crystal waters, bright coral gardens and awesome marine life will be enjoyed by a small number of divers - visitors are limited for conservation. A highlight is the super-rare ballerina angelfish.

Julian Rocks Marine Park - A short boat ride from Byron Bay, this is a popular dive trip. It has been described as a “mini Galapagos” for the variety of fish life. You can also dive with manta rays here during the summer. 

Jervis Bay - Only a three hour drive south of Sydney, the gin-clear waters and white sands host over 30 dive sites. Some of the opportunities here include kelp forests, schools of fish, sponge gardens and a large cave at The Docks. 

Fly Point Reserve - A short drive north of Newcastle, close to Nelson Bay, lies this tiny hub of marine life. The total fishing ban means that everything is found in abundance.

Tweed Heads - The rocky reefs found on Cook Island around 600m off shore has lots of cod and grey nurse sharks. 

Solitary Islands Marine Park - Accessed to the south from Coffs Harbour, this park is very large features over 500 species of fish and over 90 types of corals.

Montague Island - Found in Batemans Bay Marine Park, this is the best place in NSW to dive with fur seals. Off the coast of Narooma, the boat rides to the sites also feature dolphins, whales, little penguins and a unique bird population. 

Ulladulla - A quiet destination, you will likely be the only divers present. Huge schools of yellowtail, wobbegong and bull rays are common. 

Forster - One of the best places to dive with grey nurse sharks and great wrecks. 

Merimbula - Has 3 awesome wrecks including the shallow SS Empire Gladstone.

Bushrangers’ Bay - Close to Shellharbour, there are amphitheatre caves to explore and weedy sea dragons. 

South West Rocks - Fish Rock Cave is one of the best cave dives in the country - with a pitch black 120m swim to the bright cavern known as the aquarium.