Dive with marine life · 2026 guide

Where to Dive with Loggerhead Turtles in Australia

Heavier-headed and less common than the green turtle, with a nationally significant nesting population near Bundaberg.

Present year-round. The Bundaberg-area nesting season runs roughly November to March.

These 4 sites are where loggerhead turtle encounters are best documented, with the operators who dive them.

Tasselled wobbegong resting camouflaged on a rocky reef

Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli)

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Open Water · ≤18 m~15 m typical, 25 m maxBoat divereef · island

Where tropical and temperate waters meet — more than 20 shark and ray species recorded.

The ecological importance of the site comes from the meeting of tropical and temperate influences. Warm water arriving on the East Australian Current mixes with cooler temperate water, and species from both systems occur here together.

Look for: Green Turtle, Grey Nurse Shark, Humpback Whale, Leopard Shark (Zebra Shark)

Who takes you there Sundive Byron Bay Byron Bay Dive Centre

Blue Bay Divers

Full Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) guide →

Scuba diver and green sea turtle above a tropical coral reef

Cook Island

Gold Coast, Queensland

Open Water · ≤18 m~14 m typical, 20 m maxBoat diveisland · reef

An aquatic reserve off Tweed Heads with a resident turtle population and seasonal grey nurse sharks.

The protected status has produced habituated marine life, and divers regularly encounter multiple turtles on a single dive.

Look for: Green Turtle, Grey Nurse Shark, Humpback Whale, Leopard Shark (Zebra Shark)

Who takes you there Gold Coast Dive Centre Gold Coast Dive Adventures

Full Cook Island guide →

Two equipped scuba divers entering a calm Australian bay from shore

Lady Elliot Island

Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Open Water · ≤18 m~15 m typical, 25 m maxShore dive · Boat divereef · island

A coral cay at the reef's southern tip, with some of Australia's most reliable manta encounters.

Cleaning stations around the island produce reliable seasonal manta activity, and the clear water typical of the southern reef makes it exceptional for photography.

Look for: Green Turtle, Humpback Whale, Loggerhead Turtle, Manta Ray

Who takes you there Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Full Lady Elliot Island guide →

Heron Island

Bundaberg & Southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Open Water · ≤18 m~15 m typical, 25 m maxShore dive · Boat divereef · island

A research-station coral cay with the Heron Bommie a few minutes from the jetty.

The Heron Bommie, a short boat ride from the jetty, is among the best-known individual dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and was reportedly a favourite of Jacques Cousteau.

Look for: Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle

Who takes you there Heron Island Resort

Full Heron Island guide →

Questions about this list

How is this list ranked?

Sites are chosen from our dive-site database and ordered by how well documented they are: flagship status, the number of operators we have confirmed dive there, and the marine life recorded. Nobody pays to be listed.

Can a business pay to appear here?

No. Listings and order come from our research only. Businesses can ask us to correct their details, but not to change their position.

How current is this guide?

It is generated from the directory's latest research, checked in 2026. Conditions, operators and seasons change — confirm details with the operator before you book.

All best-of guides →