Tucked inland, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) offers a unique freshwater diving experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Most dives take place in Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s iconic centerpiece, where submerged sculptures, structures, and aquatic life create an engaging underwater landscape. The calm waters make it ideal for scuba training, navigation practice, and photography dives. While ACT itself is landlocked, its proximity to the New South Wales South Coast gives divers easy access to ocean adventures in Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay. The ACT is perfect for divers seeking a balance between tranquil inland dives and easy coastal escapes.
The best time to dive in the Australian Capital Territory is during the warmer months from November to April, when visibility improves and lake temperatures rise. Summer offers ideal conditions for freshwater diving in Lake Burley Griffin, with mild currents and calm surfaces. Autumn and spring bring cooler air but still enjoyable diving conditions with excellent visibility. Winter diving is possible for those equipped with dry suits, rewarding divers with crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings. No matter the season, ACT’s freshwater sites provide great training grounds for both new and certified divers.
Getting to the Australian Capital Territory is simple, thanks to its central location between Sydney and Melbourne. Travelers can fly directly into Canberra Airport (CBR) from major Australian cities, with a quick 15-minute drive to the city and Lake Burley Griffin, the ACT’s main dive site. Those traveling by car can take the Federal Highway from Sydney (about a 3-hour drive) or the Hume Highway from Melbourne (around 7 hours). Public buses and trains also connect Canberra to nearby cities. Once in the ACT, divers will find local dive schools and clubs offering equipment hire, certifications, and organized dive trips to nearby coastal regions like Jervis Bay, one of Australia’s top marine destinations. The ACT’s convenient location makes it a gateway for diving adventures both inland and on the coast.
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