Australia’s 50 Great Dives index

cropped-50greatDivesc.jpg

THE BLOWHOLE

Lady Elliot Island, Queensland

Type of dive:

Reef

Snorkelling:

Yes, fantastic diversity!

Scuba:

Open Water

Access:

Boat only (15 minutes)

Depth:

10 – 25 metres (30-80’)

Visibility:

10 – 30 metres (30-100’)

Water temperature:

23 – 26°C (73-79°F)

Seasonal:

No, can visit anytime

Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef.

Lady Elliot is part of the Bunker Island group which includes Heron and Lady Musgrove Islands and is afforded the highest level of protection because it is in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park’s ‘Green Zone’.

The island, only accessible by air, is located 85 kilometres (53 mi) north east of Bundaberg, home of the famous Bundaberg Rum, and has a chequered past.

The first industry on the island was ‘bêche-de-mer’ (sea cucumber) harvesting which began in 1805 to export the delicacy to South East Asia.

In 1863, a license was granted to mine the island for ‘guano’ (bird droppings) for fertilizer. Over the next ten years, the island was mined flat including most of its trees and top soil, leaving only its lighthouse, built in 1866. A new lighthouse was constructed in 1995.

Lady Elliot remained a virtual desert island until 1966 when lighthouse staff commenced a re-vegetation program. The island quickly recovered and is now a seabird haven. Over 55 species of seabird visit the island and in summer, 50,000 birds’ nest here.

An airstrip and modest accommodation were built in 1969 and today, Lady Elliot Island is a beautiful resort getaway for only 100 visitors at any one time.

Surrounded by exceptionally clear water, the island boasts many great dive sites suitable for all levels of scuba diver including a small wreck, Severance.

The Severance sank in 1999 and now lies on its keel, listing to the port side in 21 metres (70’) of water. Most of her masts and superstructure are still intact.

One of the island’s most spectacular dives is the Blowhole, a cave which has an opening through the top of the reef at 14 metres (45’) and a large deep water opening to the side in 22 metres (72’).

The coral around Lady Elliot is diverse; large plate and staghorn corals are in pristine condition and the underwater walls and caves support a colourful array of soft coral.

The fish life ranges from large schools of pelagic fish including schooling barracuda, to resident species such as coral trout, blue angels, spangled emperors and moray eels. The islands beautiful coral gardens host a myriad of colourful tropical fish including cardinals, clown fish, lionfish and Moorish idols.

Manta rays, eagle rays, white tip reef sharks, wobbegongs, shovelnose rays and large bull rays are sighted regularly.

The snorkelling around the island is fabulous, and scuba divers can add to the excitement of a Lady Elliot Island diving experience by adding a drift dive or a night dive to the itinerary.

OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE THERE
Hiro’s Cave, Lighthouse Bommie, Three Pyramids, Coral Gardens and Encounters.

2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.

DIVE SERVICES

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND ECO RESORT
Southern Great Barrier Reef
Queensland
+61 (7) 5536 3644
reservations@ladyelliot.com.au
www.ladyelliot.com.au