Scuba Diving

Surrounded by tropical islands and warm waters, Townsville is a top-notch diving center. Diving courses, day trips, and multiday excursions tend to be less crowded than those in the hot spots of Cairns or the Whitsunday Islands.

About 16 km (10 miles) offshore, a 60-km (37-mile) boat ride southeast of Townsville, is the wreck of the mighty SS Yongala, a steamship that sank in 1911 and now lies 49 to 91 feet beneath the surface. It teems with marine life and is considered one of Australia's best dive sites. It can be explored on one- and two-day trips. All local dive operators conduct excursions to the wreck.

Adrenalin Dive. This local outfit runs day and live-aboard trips to diverse sites on the Great Barrier Reef, including the wreck of the SS Yongala. The Yongala trip includes weight belt, tanks, two dives, and lunch; it's an extra A$40 for dive gear and A$10 for the introductory guided dive that's compulsory for novice divers. Snorkel/dive day trips to sheltered sites on the GBR's Lodestone Reef are A$220 for snorkelers, A$250 for certified divers (A$290 with gear); for introductory divers, it's A$295 with one dive and snorkeling, A$335 with two dives. On a three-night, live-aboard eco-trip, you can make up to 10 dives, including two night dives and two dives on the Yongala (A$815 for a snorkeler, A$935 for a diver in a double room, including diving, gear, and meals). Cheaper twin and dorm berths are available. On all dive trips, optional extras include PADI Adventure Dives (A$25 per dive); enriched-air nitrox (A$50 for two tanks, Nitrox-certified divers only); and camera hire (A$65). 252 Walker St., Townsville, Queensland, 4810. 07/4724–0600; 1300/664600; www.adrenalindive.com.au. From A$220.