G'Day, Welcome to Australia

Hello from Downunder,

Welcome to the land of Kangaroos, Vegemite (Marmite to you Poms) the Barbecue and a bewildering language that has even taken a hardened London boy to task.

This in anybodys estimations is a vast country and the best bit about it, its completely surrounded by water. I have it on good authority the coastline is roughly 25,760 kms around so that adds up to a whole heap of diving places.

When talking about diving in Australia we immediately think of the Great Barrier Reef which is the largest living organism in the world it runs from the Gulf of Papua north and west of Cape York almost to Frazer Island. From North to South it extends about 2000kms and lying of the coast of Queensland distances of about 20 to 65km. Its width ranges from a few hundred metres to 70km at its widest point and depth anything between ankle deep and 300metres. The total area is reckoned to exceed 200,000km2 or 80,000 square miles.

So its not surprising that the most popular diving destination in Australia is around Cairns,with its easy access to the reef this whole area is a massive draw to most divers.
Its also a very popular destination for young people taking a year out and they arrive in droves in and around the region. Diving has been cashing in big time with this influx of people, two dive schools in Cairns, Down Under Dive 50,000 students in 25years and Deep Sea Divers Den 80,000 students in 30years have just received awards from PADI.

As you can see diving is a big industry in Australia but in the bigger scheme of things diving is still in its infancy here compared to USA, Europe but we are catching up fast.
Over the next few months I hope to be able to bring you articles regarding all forms of diving around Australia and of course up the road a short way we have some incredible diving destinations, Borneo, Fiji, Vanuatu and many more.

I will leave you with a language question, I thought Spanish and French were difficult but try Aussie, Budgiesmugglers. I know you people downunder will know so this is directed towards the Europeans.

Keep safe,

Alan Lambert DM. 57years old, a great deal of diving experience gained in the Canary Islands. Loves, Wrecks and caves.