Category: Weekend Diving

  • Dive the EX-HMAS Tobruk – Australia’s newest wreck site!

    Dive the EX-HMAS Tobruk – Australia’s newest wreck site!

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE

    HMAS Tobruk (L 50) was a Landing Ship Heavy (LSH) of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), based on the design of the Round Table-class of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Planning for the ship began in the 1970s to provide the Australian Army with a permanent sealift capability. She was laid down by Carrington Slipways in 1979, launched in 1980, and commissioned in 1981. She was a multi-purpose, roll-on/roll-off heavy lift ship capable of transporting soldiers, APCs, and tanks, and delivering them to shore via landing craft or directly by beaching.

    The ship experienced problems during her early career with her engines (which differed from the British base design) and sewerage system (leading to the death of a cadet in 1981). During the 1980s, the ship delivered supplies to the Multinational Force and Observers on the Sinai Peninsula, assisted in the withdrawal from RAAF Base Butterworth, provided support and accommodation for delegates to the South Pacific Forum, and was part of the Australian response to the 1987 Fijian coups d’état. In the early 1990s, Tobruk was part of ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the landing at Anzac Cove, then after a refit, participated in peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. She was used for many humanitarian missions including peace keeping in Bougainville, the Solomons, Samoa after the earthquake and tsunami, assisting after cyclones Yasi and Pam and border protection detail under Operation Resolute.

    Tobruk was decommissioned in Sydney on 31 July 2015. During her 34-year operational history, Tobruk sailed over 947,000 nautical miles (1,754,000 km; 1,090,000 mi), and was deployed on 26 major operations (more than any other ADF unit), leading to a reputation as the “workhorse of the RAN”.

    Several entities called for the ship to be scuttled as a dive wreck. Federal Member of Parliament Keith Pitt spent several years campaigning for the scuttling of a warship in Hervey Bay as a tourist attraction, with Tobruk his preferred vessel. Another proposal came from the community of St Helens, Tasmania, for the ship to be sunk in Skeleton Bay. North Stradbroke Island (Redland Bay Council) and the Gold Coast also expressed interest.

    On 2 December 2016 it was announced that Tobruk would be scuttled off the Fraser Coast, at a location halfway between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, by late 2018. As the ship awaited its scuttling, Tobruk was located between the Australian Navy Cadet Base TS Bundaberg and the Burnett Heads Marina. The ship was transported to this area in late 2016 and was used as a tourist attraction whilst undergoing preparations for scuttling.

    She was sunk off the coast between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay on 29 June 2018 although instead of coming to rest upright on her keel, the ship instead rolled 90 degrees to starboard (right) and came to rest on her side like so many wrecks that were not purpose sunk. Already the sea life that has been attracted to the wreck is absolutely incredible! Come and dive a piece of Australian history with us!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Must have your own dive torch to do these dives (rentals available) Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site
    Depth ranges from 11 – 28.5 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is included for those who are certified – Must be ordered the Wednesday prior to the trip
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    Friday, 25 June to Sunday, 27 June 2021

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRICE

    Weekend Trip

    $750 per person – 4 dives, nitrox (for those who are certified) and weights, 2 nights accommodation, Divemaster services if desired, return transport to Hervey Bay from Brisbane.

    Enriched Air Speciality– additional $245 (total $995) – course materials (manual learning) and the services of your dive instructor

    PADI Wreck diver speciality course – additional $195 (total $945 per person ) – includes course materials, 4 led dives over 2 days, and the services of your dive instructor.

    PADI Wreck diver and Enriched Air speciality courses @ $1,140 per person total- includes course materials, 4 led dives over 2 days, and the services of your dive instructor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability. All hire gear must be organised prior to the trip date.

    ITINERARY

    You will be doing a maximum of 2 dives each day and these dives are usually done in the morning, allowing you to have your afternoon free. An itinerary with timings will be sent to those booked onto the trip closer to the trip date.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PADI COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Enriched Air (Nitrox) (perfect for this trip)*
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist
    Wreck Diver (perfect for this trip)

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    * The Nitrox specialty is the only specialty that you can do at the same time as another qualifying dive so this is the perfect opportunity to do two specialties in one go!

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependent. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    HOW TO BOOK

     

    To book online click HERE

  • The Solitary Islands Weekend Retreat – Two incredible locations, one phenomenal weekend!

    The Solitary Islands Weekend Retreat – Two incredible locations, one phenomenal weekend!

    South Solitary Islands

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    The South Solitary Islands Marine Park

    The Solitary Islands Marine Park runs for 90 km north of Coffs Harbour; which is centrally located between Sydney and Brisbane, on the NSW north coast. This is where the warm Great Barrier reef waters from the north, meet the cooler southern waters from Sydney and below. The sheltered Island havens are warmer than the coastal waters producing a unique blend of tropical and sub-tropical fish life, hard and soft corals, and spectacular marine life. With over 25 exciting dive sites we will not be limited in our choices of dive site! Dive with the endangered Grey Nurse Sharks – sure to get your adrenalin pumping as these stunning creatures glide close to you in the water. In season, you will also get the chance to see Humpback Whales on the trip out and back.

    In the Summer months (November to April) the water temperature rises from 19c to peak in March at between 24c and 26c. During that time we see tropical varieties breeze thru with the East Australian Current, with the larger fish like Manta Rays andLeopard Sharks thru to the smaller critters like the Ornate Ghost-Pipefish. Then from May thru to the end of June the water temperature stays above 20c. Then it drops to about 19-18c for the rest of Winter months. The Winter brings us a more abundant number of Grey Nurse Sharks and the special appearance of Giant Cuttlefish. We really like the diving in the winter, and at the temperature it is, it compares to the southern tropical waters of the Barrier reef.

    North Solitary islands

    The North Solitary Islands Marine Park

    The islands are absolutely world class diving. The islands are not only home to the incredible array of temperate species found in New South Wales waters, they are also considered the southernmost limit of permanent colonies of tropical species. The marine park reserve is famous for a diverse variety of marine life, thickly populated at different dive locations around the island.

    At the north eastern end is a small sheltered inlet called Anemone Bay. The boulder strewn site is carpeted with anemones and numerous Anemone fish, cowries, rays, turtles and hard and soft corals.

    The Step, is a rocky drop-off; the wall drops from 15m to 45m and numerous sharks, giant Manta Ray, cod, eagle and bull rays patrol this section.

    The Canyons is another popular spot best described as a multi-coloured aquarium with a few southern species thrown in. Also famous for Painted Cray’s and large dive able depressions in the ocean floor.

    The Bubble Cave; near a spot called Southern Anchorage, is very dark and a torch is required to fully appreciate it. There are air bubbles trapped at the top of the cave. Fish life includes Lion Fish, large schools of White Bait, plethoras of nudibranchs and Spanish Dancers at times cling to the walls of the cave.

    Fish Soup is one of the most requested dive locations. Located at a group of wave washed rocks called North West Rock. It is renowned for a variety of larger fish species such as Black Cod, Mangrove Jack’s , Jew Fish, Spangled Emperor, Snapper, Red Mowong, Tarwhine just to name a few.

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request at an additional cost
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    TBA

    PRICE

    $600 per person

    Divers with Grey Nurse Sharks at Manta Arch, South Solitary Islands

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    4 dives (2 dives at the North Solitary Islands and 2 dives at the South Solitary Islands)
    Fuel surcharge for the North Solitary islands trip and marine park fees
    2 night’s accommodation
    Continental Breakfast both days
    Return private transport from Woolloongabba to Coffs Harbour
    Dive Master services
    Tanks and weights.

    Nitrox is available at an additional $20 per tank

     WHAT’S EXCLUDED

     All Dive Gear
    travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure (with the exception of breakfast)

     GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    ITINERARY

    We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) at 4pm on Friday and from here you will be driven in our company van to Coffs Harbour. Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready to do 2 dives in the morning at the North Solitary islands. On Sunday, we will do 2 dives in the morning before heading back to Brisbane after lunch. We expect to have you back in Brisbane (Woolloongabba) by mid- evening. An itinerary with more accurate timings will be sent to the divers prior to the dive trip.

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    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • Spend a Weekend Away in Byron Bay – Julian Rocks is one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

    Spend a Weekend Away in Byron Bay – Julian Rocks is one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

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    THE DIVE SITE

    Discover the Magic of Julian Rocks in Byron Bay – One of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

    According to a story from the Bundjalung people a jealous husband threw his spear at the canoe of his wife and her lover. The canoe broke in two and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Only the back and the front of the boat stuck out of the water, creating a rock formation just 2.5 km off shore.

    Named by Captain Cook in 1776, Julian Rocks in Byron Bay consists of ancient sedimentary rock, remains of a volcanic eruption more than 20 million years ago. It is an extension of Cape Byron separated by water and forms a most unique marine reserve, providing shelter and food for more than 500 tropical and temperate fish species alone!

    From the 1st of December 2002 Julian Rocks has become part of the Cape Byron Marine Park and in May 2006 the new Marine Park zoning plan has come into action which amongst other things means that an area of 1500m around Julian Rocks has become a Sanctuary Zone for most of the year. This will hopefully see fish stocks replenish and give the critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks some well-deserved additional protection.

    Grey Nurse Sharks come to Julian Rocks during the winter months, presumably to breed. Although these sharks look ferocious with their mouths slightly opened and their teeth sticking out, it is perfectly safe to dive with them. The most commonly dived sites during the winter months are the Cod Hole, Turtle trench and Hugo’s Trench as these are where the Grey Nurse sharks like to patrol the sand trenches. An absolutely incredible sight as they are not shy about approaching divers and making sure that they put on a performance you will never forget!

    In spring the blue tang pays Julian Rocks a visit. This is a fish, which can be easily distinguished by its blue body and bright yellow tail. Schools of big-eye trevally are most common in summer. The docile leopard sharks can be seen on almost every dive during mid-summer when the waters are warmest. The spotted patterns on their skin gives them their name. Most of the time they lie resting on the sand, but if you are lucky you can see them swimming, moving their long tail slowly. During the Summer months the biggest draw card to the rocks are definitely the Leopard sharks (also known as Zebra sharks) and the main stars… Manta Rays!! These gorgeous graceful creatures glide effortlessly through the water dazzling divers with their somersaults and back flips, twisting and changing direction with the slightest bend of a fin. These magnificent creatures will keep you enthralled and begging for more as they soar from view

    IMG_8674And then there are of course the ‘regulars’ like different species of wobbegong sharks, turtles, cuttlefish (family of the octopus), schools of white spotted eagle rays, egg-cowry shells, moray eels, banner fish, giant guitar fish and shovel-nose rays. Sometimes there are so many fish around, you can hardly see where you are going. Not to mention all sessile animals (attached to substrate) like tunicates, colourful sponges, both hard and soft corals, giving you the feeling you are floating through some beautifully landscaped underwater garden.

    The Rock also forms a home for rare species such as the leaf scorpion fish, the pineapple fish with bioluminescent organs under its eyes, the shy blue devil fish, white banded anemone fish and a species of nudibranch previously thought not present in Australian waters: Noumea labouti. (A nudibranch is a colourful underwater snail without a shell, carrying its respiratory organ on its back)

    The interaction of tropical and temperate species makes every dive an exhilarating adventure. The three minute boat trip to the rock is almost as exciting: surfing the waves sometimes accompanied by playful dolphins. From May till September the Humpback whales come past Byron Bay and can easily be spotted from the boat. With water temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius and visibility of 20 meters at most times there is really nothing to complain about.

     

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    Dive Information

    -Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    -Depth ranges from 4 – 22 metres
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    Trip Dates

    Friday, 23 – Sunday, 25 March 2018

    To book onto this weekend of diving click HERE

    Price

    Weekend Away -$700 per person and includes 6 dives, 2 night’s accommodation return transport from Woolloongabba, Divemaster services, photos of your trip, tanks and weights.

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    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    PADI Advanced Open Water course @ $250 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $245 per person for manual learning or $395 on-line learning (both prices include 2x Nitrox fills)

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

    Gear Hire

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the day and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

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    Itinerary

    If you are travelling to Byron Bay in the Professional Dive Services van, which will leave from Adreno (54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba) at 7pm on Friday evening to miss the weekend traffic south. We will confirm for you on pick up which spots are okay to park that aren’t part of the Woolloongabba zone and are free unlimited parking.

    A confirmation with all timings will be sent to you closer to the dive date.

     

    Specialties Suitable for this trip

    Advanced Open Water
    Under water Navigation
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit
    Diver Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

     

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    Click HERE to book online

     

  • The New South Wales New Years Dive Spectacular!

    The New South Wales New Years Dive Spectacular!

     

    Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias Taurus), Gutters of Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW, Australia

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip

    7 nights, 8 days, at least 12 dives and 6 world class dive destinations.  This is truly the best of Mid and Northern NSW diving.

    This trip is always popular and never fails to impress. However this year we have upped the ante again! This year we are diving the biggest hot spots on the NSW coastline covering all major dive destinations between Byron Bay and Sydney! This is truly the BEST OF NSW! Escape the craziness of Brisbane and head south for a week that you will replay on your deathbed! Like a diving advent calendar each new day will present you with a different world class dive location to explore.

    Diver with wobbegong shark, Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Starting off  we are heading down to Wooli to dive the North Solitary Islands and if the conditions are right Pimpernel Rock! Day Two will see us diving the magnificent South Solitary Islands Marine Park and hitting up crowd favourite Manta Arch! Day Three presents one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia, Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks diving with the local Grey Nurse sharks. Day Four brings up some more depth and the opportunity to dive at one of the largest shark aggregation sites in Australia, Seal Rocks at Forster.  Day Five will delight macro photographers and wide angle enthusiasts alike with two dives at Port Stephens / Nelson Bay renowned for it’s incredible macro smorgasbord and nudibranch varieties. Our final day of diving ringing in the New Year will be diving on Australia’s newest scuttled naval ship the EX-HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal.

    Grey Nurse Shark (blind mature female) / Carcharias Taurus

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Dive Information

    Ideally suited for Advanced Open Water divers but also suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this trip
    Depth ranges from 6 – 40 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Trip Dates

    26 December – 2 January 2016

    8 Days/ 7 Nights- Ex Brisbane

    Price

    $1,600 per person

    What’s Included

    12 dives- 12 boat dives and there will be opportunity for some additional shore dives!
    7 nights shared accommodation
    Private transport for the week departing and returning to Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
    Tanks and weights
    Professional Dive Services guide

     

    Diver in the shallow entrance, Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW, Australia

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What’s Excluded

    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Dive Gear
    Excess luggage surcharges
    All meals

    Baggage Allocation & Gear Hire

    All divers are responsible for their own gear. Tanks and weights are included in the trip price. If you need to hire gear; it is available, if you could please contact us in advance of the trip to ensure it is brought for you. We have a very comfortable 2014 Hyundai iMax with trailer for our gear so there is no limit on what you can take!

     

    Itinerary

    This trip is open to anyone but is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers and above or Open Water divers looking to complete their Advanced course. All divers will be under supervision of a Professional Dive Services Instructor. Starting off  we are heading down to Wooli to dive the North Solitary Islands and if the conditions are right Pimpernel Rock! Day Two will see us diving the magnificent South Solitary Islands Marine Park and hitting up crowd favourite Manta Arch! Day Three presents one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia, Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks diving with the local Grey Nurse sharks. Day Four brings up some more depth and the opportunity to dive at one of the largest shark aggregation sites in Australia, Seal Rocks at Forster.  Day Five will delight macro photographers and wide angle enthusiasts alike with two dives at Port Stephens / Nelson Bay renowned for it’s incredible macro smorgasbord and nudibranch varieties. Our final day of diving ringing in the New Year will be diving on Australia’s newest scuttled naval ship the EX-HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal.

     

    Specialities Suitable for this trip

    There are many more specialties and courses that can be completed over this trip. To discuss what you would like to do please feel free to contact John on 0457 007 040 and he can design a plan for you.


    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Project AWARE Fish ID
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • A Spectacular Weekend Away at Nelson Bay, NSW.

    A Spectacular Weekend Away at Nelson Bay, NSW.

    Jim Dodd Looking Glass (4)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE
    Nelson Bay at Port Stephens is one of the hidden gems of diving on the Eastern seaboard of Australia. Whilst it’s secrets are well known to the divers of Sydney and the central coast the majority of Australia is yet to discover the amazing encounters waiting for them below the waters of Nelson Bay. You can encounter Grey Nurse sharks in large numbers, Port Jackson sharks,pipe fish, sea horses, seals, endemic nudibranchs, turtles, rays, and a myriad of fish. A true wide angle and macro photographer’s paradise with enough sea life to keep any diver struggling with which direction to look next!

     

    Jim Dodd NE CabbageTree Is (3)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Boat diving in Nelson Bay with Lets Go Adventures is a fun, exciting and memorable experience. Whether you want to dive with grey nurse sharks at Broughton Island, or prefer exploring some of the unique local islands, Lets Go Adventures caters for all experience levels. Their site selection on the day of our dive is determined by us and the most experienced dive skippers in Port Stephens; Chris Norman, Adam Shorter, Pete Jensen & Jimmy Dodd who individually hold over 20-30+ years each, skippering/diving in the stunning waters of Port Stephens. They also offer a free guide service to everyone also with Nelson Bay’s Most experienced dive master crew.

    “MV Tomaree” is the most comfortable dive boat in Nelson Bay. The MV Tomaree has fast new engines, a twin hull for stability, a large dive deck area, and onboard toilet. You just need to come for a dive with them to see why local divers of Nelson Bay voted them winners in the Boating, Fishing & Camping Category of the Port Stephens Business Awards. Dive sites include :

    Broughton Island : Looking Glass, Shark Gutters, Elephant Rock, North Rock, Cod Rock, East Head, Bubble Cave & Spider Cave.

    Local island and wreck dives : Little wreck, North East Cabbagetree Island, The Pinnacle, Safety Cove Boondelbah Island, Little Island Gutters, The Oakland Wreck, The Macleay Wreck, Government Wharf, Fingal Sponges & Red Patch.

    Shore Dives : Fly Point, Halifax, Little Beach, The Pipeline & Seahorse Gardens.

    For what you can expect check out Dave Harasti’s video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGgr2n1ec-s

    Jim Dodd NE CabbageTree Is

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    -Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres), however Advanced Open Water Certification is advised to ensure all sites are accessible to you
    -Depth ranges from 6 – 34 metres
    -EAN (nitrox) is available at $10 extra per dive.
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    Friday, 16- Sunday, 18 December 2016

    Jim Dodd North Rock Gutters (8)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRICE
    $600 per person

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip
    Diving on Nitrox@ $ 10 per dive or $50 for the weekend
    PADI Advanced Open Water Course @ $250 per person
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $195 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $245 per person for manual learning or $345 per person for on-line learning (both prices include 2 Nitrox fills)

    Jim Dodd North Rock Gutters (9)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    All air fills
    5 dives – 4 boat dives (double at North Broughton Island, double at Oakland wreck and local island site and a shore dive)
    2 night’s accommodation
    Return private transport
    Tanks & Weights

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED 

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

    Jim Dodd Pipeline

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    GEAR HIRE
    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    ITINERARY

    We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) just on midday on Friday and from here you will be driven in our company van to Nelson Bay. Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready to dive the Broughton Island on Saturday (double dive and a shore dive in the afternoon). On Sunday, we will do 2 boat dives in the morning to the Oakland wreck and another local island site before heading back to Brisbane after lunch. An itinerary with timings will be sent to you closer to the date of the trip.

    Jim Dodd SS Oakland (2)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP
    Advanced Open Water (highly recommended on this weekend)
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependent. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    Extra Special Note – Thank you to Jim Dodd of UW Photography.com.au for allowing us to use these incredible images for promotion. We hope to try and emulate them.

  • Explore the Capricorn Bunker Group and Southern Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Adori

    Explore the Capricorn Bunker Group and Southern Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Adori

    Turtle hatchling

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip
    Come and join us aboard the MV Adori. A hidden gem known to locals and fishermen we have the unique opportunity to explore reefs and islands that have previously been accessible to private boat owners. Join us as we explore endless islands and reefs with literally hundreds of sites to chose from. The MV Adori is a private live aboard housing only 8 divers and two crew so you are guarnteed of a personal and private liveaboard experience. The Adori is also BYO so you can bring your favourite tipple to drink whilst watching the sun set over the horizon. Warm waters and tropical diving. What more could you want? This trip is a must for every diver with diverse coral cays, reefs, islands and abundant marine life.

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Depth ranges from 4 – 28 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Coral and Diver, Capricorn Bunker Group

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Trip Dates

    To Be Confirmed

    Price

    $1450 per person 

     

    What’s Included

    Tanks and weights
    Up to 14
     dives including 3 night dives
    4 nights accommodation in air conditioned bunks
    All fresh prepared home style meals and snacks between dives
    Dive deck and fresh water tubs for your camera equipment
    All air fills
    Return transport to Yeppoon from Brisbane

     

     

    Epaulette shark / Hemiscyllium ocellatum

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What’s Excluded
     All Dive Gear
    Transport to Yeppoon if you are making your own way
    Alcohol (The MV Adori is a BYO vessel – alcohol is not available for purchase)
    Soft drinks (please feel free to bring your own)

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to rent you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator and computer for the weekend, please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    IMG_9869

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Itinerary
    DAY 1
    At 3pm everyone stows their gear and settles in on-board. We will set up our gear and secure our bunks before steaming from port ready for our first dive. We will do a check out dive in the late afternoon at Egg Island and then the first of our night dives. Egg is one of the popular local sites that is home to numerous olive green sea snakes.

    DAY 2
    Today we wake up at any number of reefs or islands. Our destination is literally up to us and the conditions! We are ideally located to hit up Tryon Island, North West Island, Broomfield Reef, Wilson Island, Wilson Reef, Wistari Reef, Masthead Island and all of the other reefs and islands of the Capricorn Bunker Group. The possibilities are endless!

    Olive Green Sea Snake

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DAY 3

    Today we wake up at any number of reefs or islands. Our destination is literally up to us and the conditions! We are ideally located to hit up Tryon Island, North West Island, Broomfield Reef, Wilson Island, Wilson Reef, Wistari Reef, Masthead Island and all of the other reefs and islands of the Capricorn Bunker Group. The possibilities are endless!

    DAY 4

    Today we will dive any number of sensational local sites on our way back to Yeppoon. We will be back in port at 5pm. We anticipate having everyone back to Woolloongabba by midnight. 

     

    IMG_9880

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Specialities Suitable for this trip

    Self Reliant Diver (perfect for this trip)
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Under water Navigation
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to
    [email protected]

  • Post Processing Course at Byron Bay with U/W Photography Legend Ross Gudgeon

    Post Processing Course at Byron Bay with U/W Photography Legend Ross Gudgeon

    RossGudgeon-09

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE

    Discover the Magic of Julian Rocks in Byron Bay – One of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

    According to a story from the Bundjalung people a jealous husband threw his spear at the canoe of his wife and her lover. The canoe broke in two and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Only the back and the front of the boat stuck out of the water, creating a rock formation just 2.5 km off shore.

    Named by Captain Cook in 1776, Julian Rocks in Byron Bay consists of ancient sedimentary rock, remains of a volcanic eruption more than 20 million years ago. It is an extension of Cape Byron separated by water and forms a most unique marine reserve, providing shelter and food for more than 500 tropical and temperate fish species alone!

    From the 1st of December 2002 Julian Rocks has become part of the Cape Byron Marine Park and in May 2006 the new Marine Park zoning plan has come into action which amongst other things means that an area of 1500m around Julian Rocks has become a Sanctuary Zone for most of the year. This will hopefully see fish stocks replenish and give the critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks some well-deserved additional protection.

    RossGudgeon-16Grey Nurse Sharks come to Julian Rocks during the winter months, presumably to breed. Although these sharks look ferocious with their mouths slightly opened and their teeth sticking out, it is perfectly safe to dive with them. The most commonly dived sites during the winter months are the Cod Hole, Turtle trench and Hugo’s Trench as these are where the Grey Nurse sharks like to patrol the sand trenches. An absolutely incredible sight as they are not shy about approaching divers and making sure that they put on a performance you will never forget!

    In spring the blue tang pays Julian Rocks a visit. This is a fish, which can be easily distinguished by its blue body and bright yellow tail. Schools of big-eye trevally are most common in summer. The docile leopard sharks can be seen on almost every dive during mid-summer when the waters are warmest. The spotted patterns on their skin gives them their name. Most of the time they lie resting on the sand, but if you are lucky you can see them swimming, moving their long tail slowly. During the Summer months the biggest draw card to the rocks are definitely the Leopard sharks (also known as Zebra sharks) and the main stars… Manta Rays!! These gorgeous graceful creatures glide effortlessly through the water dazzling divers with their somersaults and back flips, twisting and changing direction with the slightest bend of a fin. These magnificent creatures will keep you enthralled and begging for more as they soar from view.

    RossGudgeon-12And then there are of course the ‘regulars’ like different species of wobbegong sharks, turtles, cuttlefish (family of the octopus), schools of white spotted eagle rays, egg-cowry shells, moray eels, banner fish, giant guitar fish and shovel-nose rays. Sometimes there are so many fish around, you can hardly see where you are going. Not to mention all sessile animals (attached to substrate) like tunicates, colourful sponges, both hard and soft corals, giving you the feeling you are floating through some beautifully landscaped underwater garden.

    The Rock also forms a home for rare species such as the leaf scorpion fish, the pineapple fish with bioluminescent organs under its eyes, the shy blue devil fish, white banded anemone fish and a species of nudibranch previously thought not present in Australian waters: Noumea labouti. (A nudibranch is a colourful underwater snail without a shell, carrying its respiratory organ on its back)

    The interaction of tropical and temperate species makes every dive an exhilarating adventure. The three minute boat trip to the rock is almost as exciting: surfing the waves sometimes accompanied by playful dolphins. From May till September the Humpback whales come past Byron Bay and can easily be spotted from the boat. With water temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius and visibility of 20 meters at most times there is really nothing to complain about.

    RossGudgeon-20Dive Information

    -Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    -Depth ranges from 4 – 28 metres
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    Trip Dates

    Weekend Trip– 8- 10 August 2014

     

    Price

    Weekend Away including Ross Gudgeon’s Post Processing Course -$600 per person and includes 3 dives, 2 night’s accommodation return transport from Woolloongabba, tanks, weights morning /afternoon tea and lunch on both days and Ross Gudgeon’s post processing course.

    Weekend Away -$600 per person and includes 5 dives, 2 night’s accommodation return transport from Woolloongabba, tanks and weights.

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure (unless otherwise indicated)

    Gear Hire

    PDS is able to rent you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator and computer for the day and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

     

    RossGudgeon-17Itinerary

    If you are travelling to Byron Bay in the Professional Dive Services van, which will leave from Adreno (54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba) early evening on Friday. There is parking available for the weekend either at the rear of the shop or off street parking.

    A full itinerary for the weekend will be sent to participants in the week leading to but for those interested in the Ross Gudgeon Course please find the details of what is included below:

    Saturday:

    8:00am – Dive 1 with Sundive

    10:45am – Dive 2 with Sundive

    12:30pm to 4:30pm – Post Processing Course Part 1

     

    Sunday:

     

    8:00am – Dive with Sundive

    10:30am to 4:00pm – Post Processing Course Part 2

     

    Ross will provide morning/afternoon tea and lunch both days (except Saturday morning).  Price of these is included in the course fee.

    ***If you have previously done a course with Ross you are entitled to a $15 discount on the course – please mention this to us at the time of booking.***

    Course program is:

     

    • Importing files, storing, sorting and rating images
    • Work flow for RAW image conversion and processing using Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop
    • Special techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop for removing backscatter
    • Special techniques for enhancing UW photos
    • Converting images to black and white
    • Preparation and enhancement of images for printing and display

    ·         Demonstration of techniques taught using students own photos (Each student to provide 3 or 4 RAW images for this section)

    Specialities Suitable for this trip

    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit
    Underwater Naturalist

     

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

     

     

  • Dive for a weekend at South West Rocks and Fish Rock Cave

    Dive for a weekend at South West Rocks and Fish Rock Cave

    The Dive Site
    Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks is consistently rated as one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia and with good reason! The gutters around Fish Rock are swarming with Grey Nurse Sharks all year round, as this is a critical stop point as they migrate up and down the Eastern seaboard of Australia.

    Escape the craziness of Brisbane and head south for a weekend that will have you buzzing for months to come! Join us as we get up close and personal with the Labradors of the sea and explore the hidden wonders of Fish Rock Cave.

    The biggest issue with this site is depth. We highly recommend that you elect to upgrade and dive on nitrox in order to get the most out of your weekend of diving (please ensure to bring your nitrox cert. card). Please advise us ahead of time if you would like to dive on nitrox to ensure that there are nitrox tanks available for you. Diving on Nitrox will give you substantial longer bottom times and ensure that you aren’t as lethargic at the end of the day.

    For what you can expect check out Leigh Workman of Moist Multimedia’s video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg01KV_TWhM
    Fish Rock Cave sharks

     

    Dive Information

    -Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres), however Advanced Open Water Certification is advised
    -Depth ranges from 6 – 34 metres
    -EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    Trip Dates
    Friday, 5 February – Sunday, 7 February 2021

     

    Grey Nurse Shark - Shark Gutters, Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Price
    $700 per person

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    PADI Advanced Open Water Course @ $275 per person
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $295 per person for manual learning  (price includes 2 Nitrox fills)

    What’s Included
    6 dives at one of Australia’s Top 10 dive sites
    2 night’s accommodation
    Return private transport
    Tanks Weights
    Nitrox fills
    Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
    Lunch on Saturday
    Divemaster services
    PDS Instructor at your disposal all weekend

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals (other than what is indicated) are at leisure

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    Itinerary We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) mid afternoon on Friday and from here you will be driven in our company van to South West Rocks. Upon arrival you will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready to dive the world famous Fish Rock Cave on Saturday (4 dives). On Sunday, we will do 2 dives in the morning before heading back to Brisbane after lunch. An itinerary with timings will be sent to you closer to the date of the trip.

    Specialities Suitable for this trip
    Advanced Open Water (highly recommended on this weekend)
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver (highly recommended on this weekend)
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    How To Book

    Please click here to book online

    OR

    Download the booking form attached to this page, complete it and send back to secure your spot

  • Get your Grey Nurse Shark on during Shark Fest at Shark Alley, North Stradbroke Island

    Get your Grey Nurse Shark on during Shark Fest at Shark Alley, North Stradbroke Island

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE

    North Stradbroke Island is a pristine, secluded island paradise – a hidden treasure only one hour from central Brisbane.  Diving off Stradbroke Island can only be described as exhilarating! The dive sites you will explore are only a 10- 15 minute boat ride from shore and Manta Bommie has been rated in the top 10 dive sites in Australia.

    Straddie’s reefs are teeming with various marine life like Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks during Summer (Oct- Apr), endangered Grey Nurse Sharks and Humpback Whales during Winter (May- Sept), plus Bull and Eagle Rays, guitar and Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles, Dolphins, Octopus, Pelagics, hard and soft corals, Nudibranchs plus hundreds of tropical fish species.

    Up to 8 fabulous dives getting up close and personal with the labradors of the sea, Grey Nurse Sharks. Flat Rock in winter is a melting pot of pelagic life. Grey Nurse sharks patrolling the sand gutters whilst you are serenaded by the haunting melodies of the southern humpback whales. Literally anything could swim past!

    There is a choice of 12 varying dive sites to choose from and we can plan your trip based around your experience level which include the most popular sites of Manta Bommie, Flat Rock and Shag Rock.

    As we are able to dive with Grey Nurse Sharks over the entire weekend, every effort will be made to dive Shark Alley at Flat Rock.

    North Stradbroke Island Map

     


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    TBA

    Grey Nurse Shark

     

     

     

    PRICE

    $750 includes –  8 dives,  2 nights’ accommodation at Manta Lodge, tanks, weights, return transport from Woolloongabba to Cleveland, ferry transfers, Divemaster services if required and photos as a momento of your trip.

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    Advanced Open Water Course @ $250 per person
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $195 per person
    Peak Performance Buoyancy @ $195 per
    Shark Awareness @ $195 per person
    Enriched Air / Nitrox @ $245 per person (includes 2 nitrox fills)

    NITROX NOW AVAILABLE!! Nitrox fills are $20 per double dive i.e. $40 for the day or $80 for the weekend.

     WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the day and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available if arranged in advance and are subject to availability. Gear hire is available from the dive operator on North Stradbroke, however this maybe at a higher rate.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ITINERARY

    The timings for this weekend of diving will be dependant on the number of dives you do over the weekend. If you choose to do the full weekend of diving; I have noted the timings below. A more detailed itinerary will be sent to the divers closer to the date.

    You have the option of meeting the group either at the ferry terminal in Cleveland or in Woolloongabba where John will drive you to Cleveland in our van.

    Departing Woolloongabba

    We will meet at 4pm sharp at Adreno, 54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba. You are able to park your car here for the weekend, either off street parking or at the rear of Adreno.

    Departing Cleveland

    We will be catching the Big Red Cat car and passenger ferry which will depart Toondah Harbour (1 Emmett Drv, Cleveland) at 5pm sharp . Please meet John at the ferry by 4:45 pm.

    We will aim to catch the 5:55 pm ferry from Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island) and should be back at Cleveland by 6:30pm on Sunday. If you are travelling back to Adreno with John, we should have you back there around 7:30pm. There maybe a possibility that we could catch an earlier ferry back to the mainland, however this will all be dependant on the running of the day.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Under water Navigation
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver * Site dependant
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    * Site dependant

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • Dive Australia’s newest wreck, the Ex-HMAS Adelaide!

    Dive Australia’s newest wreck, the Ex-HMAS Adelaide!

     

     

    HMAS Adelaide ready to be sunk

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    HMAS Adelaide was the lead ship of the Adelaide class of guided missile frigates built for the Royal Australian Navy, based on the United States Navy’s Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates. She was built in the United States of America and commissioned into the RAN in 1980.

    During her career, Adelaide was part of Australian responses or contributions to the 1987 Fijian coups d’état, the Iraq invasion of Kuwait, the Indonesian riots of May 1998, the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce, the  War in Afghanistan, and the United States- led invasion of Iraq. In 1997, the frigate rescued two competitors in the 1996- 97 Vendee Globe solo, round-the-world yacht race. In 2001, a boat carrying suspected illegal immigrants was intercepted by Adelaide; the events of this interception became the centre of the children overboard affair.

    In 2008, Adelaide was the second ship of the class to be decommissioned, in order to offset the cost of an upgrade to the other four vessels. This ship was to be sunk off Avoca Beach, NSW as a dive wreck on 27 March 2010, until an appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal by protest groups led to a postponement of the scuttling until additional clean-up work was completed. Despite further attempts to delay or cancel the scuttling, Adelaide was sunk off Avoca on 13 April 2011.

    Located approximately 1.8km off Avoca Beach near Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales, in 38 meters of water this site has been prepared and optimally located to make it attractive to divers of all levels of experience.

    The ship measures 138.1 meters from bow to stern, with a beam of 14.3 metres and original displacement of 4100 tonnes. Diver access holes are strategically placed throughout the vessel to allow easy access to explore the key features of the wreck.  Divers will recognise the captain’s chair, console and chart table from the bridge, the helicopter hangars, the operations room complete with the shells of weapons and sensor consoles, the crew’s cafeteria and a limited number of bunks and amenities.

    There are plenty of areas for us to explore and with 4 dives it will be a matter of deciding which areas of the wreck you want to investigate!

    The Ex-HMAS Adelaide is already  home to an establishing healthy marine community, where along with encrusting  “first settlers”, the shipwreck is now home to a growing marine community which  includes the giant eastern cuttlefish, eastern blue groper, kingfish, blennies,  yellowtail, octopus, banner fish and bat fish to name a few.

    Bow of Ex-HMAS Adelaide

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers (certified to 30 metres)

    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

    Depth ranges from 18 – 30 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    Friday, 29 – Sunday, 31 April 2016

    PRICE

    $650 per person

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $195 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $195 per person for manual learning or $395 for on-line learning
    Boat Diver @ $195 per person Wreck Diver @ $195 per person

    Joe chcks out the gauges on the Ex-HMAS Adelaide

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    4 dives
    2 nights accommodation
    Return transport from Brisbane to Terrigal
    Tanks and weights (including nitrox fills if desired, however you must be nitrox certified)
    Continental  breakfast on both mornings
    Government permit

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure (with the exception of breakfast)

    Hmas Adelaide and diver

     

     

     

     

     

     

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability. All hire gear must be arranged in advance.

    ITINERARY

    We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) at 12 pm on Friday and from here you will be driven in our company van to Terrigal (approximately 10 hour drive). Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready for your 4 dives on Saturday. We will be doing 3 dives on the EX-HMAS Adelaide and one shore dive in the Haven with the resident Port Jackson sharks and hopefully some Grey Nurse sharks as well!  On Sunday we will drive you back to Brisbane and we plan to have you back in Brisbane (Woolloongabba) by mid- evening. An itinerary with more accurate timings will be sent to the divers prior to the dive trip.

    HMAS Adelaide inside

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Boat Diver
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Wreck Diver

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

     

    Octopus in Pylon support

  • Grey Nurse Shark Overload at Seal Rocks, Forster, N.S.W.

    Grey Nurse Shark Overload at Seal Rocks, Forster, N.S.W.

    IMG_0016

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    A dive at Big Seal Rock, when the grey nurse sharks are in, is the most unforgettable experience. Descending the rock wall, you will come upon a wide gutter at 21 m, which has a small cave cutting into the rock face. Usually schools of kingfish, drummer and trevally circle the gutter, while turtles, wobbegongs, stingrays and Port Jackson sharks can be seen resting on the bottom.

    Between summer and winter the gutter is often filled with dozens of grey nurse sharks. You can sit on the edge of the gutter and watch these large sharks swim in figure-of-eight patterns. Grey nurse sharks are encountered on most of the reefs off Forster/Tuncurry and Seal Rocks at almost any time of the year.

    There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of hidden reefs off the twin towns of Forster/Tuncurry located 300 km north of Sydney. Divers have explored the reefs in the area for over 40 years, and in that time have only scratched the surface.

    There are many dive sites at Seal Rocks of which we will most probably be diving the following site (based on conditions)

    Port Jackson Shark

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Breaker and Jimmys Cave- An extensive reef system covering over 200 square metres, responsible for sinking the SS Satara on 20 April 1910. Jimmy’s cave is a substantial and mostly fully enclosed cave penetration dive.

    Statis Rock aka Skeleton Rock- The home reef at Seal Rocks, the perfect second dive after one of the local rocks or wrecks. Generally a calm, sheltered dive with Grey Nurse Sharks and lots of schooling fish species.

    Big Seal Rock- The focus of Greay Nurse Shark aggregation in the Seal Rocks Complex, at times there may be more than 40 individual sharks gathered in the Eastern Gutter.

    Little Seal Rock- Complex rock reef structure with Grey Nurse Sharks, bull rays and plenty of schooling fish. This is the rock that sunk the Catterthun on 8 August 1895.

    Idol Bay- An excellent second dive just West of Latitude Rock. Plenty of bommies on a mixed rock and sand bottom. Full of big and small marine species. One of the most enjoyable shallow reef dives on the mid Coast of NSW.

    Bennetts Head Bommie Rock reef just off Bennetts Head featuring a swim through cave. This site can be done as a shore dive in calm conditions or as a boat dive. Plenty of macro life, anemones and large bull rays on the sand.

    The Barge Forster- an old Barge upside down in nutrient rich water near the Forster estuary opening, teeming with big critters and macro photography opportunities.

    The Pinnacle Forster Isolated Rock- the pinnacle dive near Forster, a favourite hang-out for big critters including rays, jewfish and grey nurse sharks.

    Latitude Rock- An isolated rock reef feature near Forster teaming with life.

    SS Catterthum- Another Steamer trying to shortcut the 5 miles around the small rock outcrops and hit one. One of the most rewarding, yet difficult to actually dive wrecks on the East Coast of Australia. Lost on 8 August 1895 with 9,000 gold sovereigns aboard. A genuine treasure hunting dive.

    Satara Shipwreck- The SS Satara, a 120 m long cargo steamer which foundered off Seal Rocks in 1910, now rests on its port side in 42 m of water.  The stern section sits in an upright position, displaying the enormous prop, as well as portholes, boilers, the engine, propeller shaft, piles of chains and hundreds of plates. The wreck is covered in sponges, ascidians, anemones and black coral trees. Schools of reef and pelagic fish swarm about the wreck, and Port Jackson, grey nurse sharks, wobbegongs and the occasional bronze whaler are often sighted.

    Bat Fish

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Must be Advanced Open Water Certified and Deep Diver qualified to dive this dive site.  You can do your Deep Diver Speciality whilst diving this site.
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    Thursday, 2 – Monday, 6 May 2019

    PRICE

    $850 per person

    OR

    $950 per person including your PADI Deep Diver specialty

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    Diving on Nitrox@ $ 30 per dive or $120 for the weekend
    *PADI Deep Diver specialty Course @ $100 per person (reduced price for this trip ONLY)
    PADI Enriched Air specialty Course @ $275 per person for manual learning or $475 per person for on-line learning (both prices include 6 Nitrox fills)

    To book online click HERE

    Forster House Reef

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    6 Dives and a bonus dive at Forster Dives house site
    4 Nights accommodation
    Return transport to and from Brisbane
    Tanks and weights

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    ITINERARY

    We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) mid-afternoon on Thursday and from here you will be driven in our company van to Forster, NSW. Upon arrival you will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready to dive with the sharks in the morning (2 dives), Saturday and on Sunday. On Monday, we will head back to Brisbane before lunch. An itinerary with timings will be sent to you closer to the date of the trip.

    PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Under water Navigation
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver (perfect for this trip)
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    To book online please click HERE

  • Dive Australia’s Most Historic Shipwreck the SS Yongala!

    Dive Australia’s Most Historic Shipwreck the SS Yongala!

    THE SS YONGALA

     

    The Dive Site

    The S.S. YONGALA sank in a cyclone on the 23rd March 1911 and remained undiscovered for almost 50 years, not being positively identified until 1958. The wreck now lies on its starboard side in 14-28 metres of water and at 109m long is the largest and most intact, historic shipwreck in Australian waters.

    She sank just 12 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Bowling Green in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the loss of all 122 passengers.  Exactly what happened we will never know – although research indicates the vessel was steaming, the fact no life rafts were found indicate the loss of the Yongala was sudden and tragic.

    It has now become known as one of the world’s top wreck dives and certainly one of Australia’s best dive sites due to the prolific variety of marine life. Giant Queensland gropers hang beneath the stern while schools of trevally and cobia congregate around the depths of the wreck. Queenfish, barracuda, turtles, sea snakes, eagle rays and clown fish are just some of the other incredible life inhabiting the coral encrusted structure.

    The Great Barrier Reef is the most bio-diverse ecosystem on the planet including over 1500 species of fish and 350 different types of coral. The Yongala wreck has now become an artificial reef with more varieties of coral growing on it than most natural reef systems. It is also host to a huge diversity of pelagic and reef species found in the Coral Sea. You will see more fish in one dive on the wreck than ten on the reef. It’s certainly a dive experience you will never forget.

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres) but Advanced Open Water is an advantage.

    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

    EAN (nitrox) is included!

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Trip Dates

    Australia Day long weekend  Thursday, 23 – Monday, 27 January 2020

    Price

    $2,500 per diver with flights included  ($550 for flights including additional bag as of 26/06/2019)

    $1,950 per diver without flights 

     

    What’s Included
    Return flights from Brisbane to Townsville – if flights included
    4 nights accommodation at Alva Beach/ Alva Beach Tourist Park
    3 triple boat dives (9 dives) on Australia’s most iconic shipwreck and at Stanley Reef including a night dive on the Yongala! Lunch on all dive days

    2 bags per person (1 clothes and 1 dive gear) – if flights included
    Private van transfers from Townsville to Ayr and transport for the duration of the trip
    Personal Divemaster and PDS tour leader for the group
    Nitrox fills for all dives and weights

     

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    Excess luggage surcharge
    All Meals apart from lunch on dive days

    Gear Hire

    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    The hire gear will be part of your luggage allowance and will travel with you and we will need to arrange to give this to you prior to the trip. Alternatively, gear hire can be arranged from the operator.

    Itinerary

    Day 1
    The group will travel on the same flight unless alternate arrangements have been made. Upon arriving in Townsville we will be collected and our group whisked away to Alva Beach and Yongala Dive, where we will stay for the duration of the trip.

     Day 2 , 3 & 4

    3 dives in the morning each day and then you will return to Yongala Dive. Lunch is included on all dive days. We will mainly be diving the Yongala wreck but we will also be diving at Stanley Reef. A VERY rarely dived pristine reef within an hour’s travel of the Yongala wreck. Will will also be doing a night dive (conditions dependent) which is truly incredible! A world famous wreck, pristine healthy reef and nitrox for all of your dives!

     Day 5
    Morning at leisure. We will leave Alva Beach to be back at Townsville Airport by 12.30pm to check in for any departing flights.

    (Due to the depths you will be diving at, we must leave 18 hours between your last dive and your departing flight. Due to our last dive on Sunday we are unable to depart Townsville any earlier)

     Specialities Suitable for this trip
    Advanced Open Water
    Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Self Reliant Diver
    Peak Performance Buoyancy

    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Click here to be taken to our shopping cart where you can book online.

  • The Ultimate Easter Eggstravaganza – The Best of New South Wales!

    The Ultimate Easter Eggstravaganza – The Best of New South Wales!

    Fish Rock Cave

     

     

     

     

    This trip sold out quickly last year and was talked about for months after! So why would we change the winning formula?! Well we have! You get an extra two dives at South West Rocks! Given the action in Shark Alley at the moment I am sure the extra two dives will be used getting up close and personal with these marvellous sharks! Escape the craziness of Brisbane and head south for a weekend that you will replay on your deathbed! Starting off the Easter long weekend we are heading down to South West Rocks to dive at Fish Rock Cave, hitting up the South Solitary Islands and if the conditions prove right, the North Solitary Islands. THREE of the BEST dive sites in New South Wales in one weekend!!

     

    Fish Rock and Solitary Islands –  ONLY 6 SPOTS TOTAL!!
    Fish Rock Cave sharksDeparting Brisbane at 5:00am on Friday you will be chauffeur driven down to South West Rocks where we will check in at midday to dive the world famous Fish Rock Cave and play with the Grey Nurse Sharks at Shark Alley. These are two phenomenal dives!! For what you can expect check out Leigh Workman of Moist Multimedia’s video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg01KV_TWhM ! After two dives we will then head back to Coffs Harbour for a relaxed evening.

     

     

     

    We have two air conditioned family suites in Coffs Harbour close to shops and amenities were we will be staying for the weekend. With multiple restaurant options in close proximity and more importantly within walking distance to the latest opening bar in the area!  After a sleep in on Saturday we will then venture back to South West Rocks to do two more dives at Fish Rock. Whether you have another crack at the cave or savor the opportunity for another dive with the magnificent Grey Nurse Sharks, it is up to you!

     

    South Solitary IslandsSolitary Islands Marine Park MAPSunday morning we will then to do more dives with Grey Nurse sharks at the South Solitary Islands which is a MACRO photographers paradise. There are nudibranchs galore, cuttlefish, and then there of course the big boys and girls – Grey Nurse sharks! We will have a leisurely dinner on Sunday night before getting up early the next morning where if the weather is in our favour we will be looking to get out to the North Solitary Islands. The conditions have to be perfect to make it there from Coffs so if the heavens are not on our side we will continue to explore the plethora of dive sites that the South Solitary Islands have to offer! I will then drive everyone back to Brisbane after we return on Monday.

     

    This is a unique opportunity to dive three of the most desirable dive sites in Australia in one weekend ALL for ONLY $850! This amazing weekend which includes:

    • 8 dives at 3 of Australia’s BEST dive sites!
    • 3 nights accommodation in a family suite
    • Return private transport
    • Tanks
    • Weights

     

    Wobbegong in Fish Rock CavePADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER Course can also be done this weekend for only an additional $220! This includes online learning! No boring classrooms! Do all of the learning in the comfort of your own home with a glass of wine or beer in hand. The best part of the AOW is that there are NO exams!! Just practical knowledge and 5 dives to challenge and improve your skill set. If you would like to do your Advanced Open Water on this weekend please mark the box on the booking form and we will get the online learning pass to you ASAP!

     

    I can organise all gear requirements for the weekend for $80 (with the exception of mask, snorkel and fins – every diver must provide their own) which is very reasonable as most dive shops in Brisbane charge $80 a day! If anyone needs to buy gear I am more than happy to assist and ensure that they get the best value and quality. If you are interested in joining us for the weekend please fill in the attached booking form and make sure your don’t miss out on this trip of a lifetime!

    As always if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact John on 0457 007 040 , [email protected] or Lisa on 07 3204 5857 ,  [email protected] .

    ** Please note whilst it is not compulsory in New South Wales to dive with a snorkel, safety sausage, knife or whistle, Professional Dive Services highly recommends that all divers dive with these items in the interest of their own safety.**

     

  • Advanced Digital Underwater Photography Techniques with U/W Photography Legend Ross Gudgeon!

    Advanced Digital Underwater Photography Techniques with U/W Photography Legend Ross Gudgeon!

    RossGudgeon

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    4 to 6 July 2014

    Ross Gudgeon has been running digital photography workshops at Sundive for years but this is the FIRST time he will run one on one of our favourite dive locations, the North Solitary Islands at Wooli, NSW! This is an opportunity you WON’T want to miss! Most published photographers will agree that the turning point in their photography was a course with an industry expert and Ross is at the top of his game! I have seen first hand the significant improvements that have come with attending one of Ross’s courses. Always generously willing to give of his time, knowledge and expertise you will not only be getting Ross for one weekend but a mentor for life!

     

    RossGudgeonRossGudgeonAvailability on this AMAZING weekend is strictly limited so make sure you don’t delay and secure your spot TODAY! Fill out the booking form and send it back to secure your spot! The course is $800 and is PACKED FULL of value!

     

    Aside from the phenomenal course that Ross runs (details below of the format for the weekend) the weekend also includes:

    • 4 dives
    • Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
    • BBQ dinner on Saturday night
    • 2 nights accommodation
    • Tanks
    • Weights
    • A weekend of picking the brain of one of the world’s foremost U/W photographers improving your Macro and Wide Angle photography!

     

    RossGudgeon-01Ross Gudgeon learned to dive in December 1979 and still remembers the thought that went through his head on his first dive clearly, “I’ve gotta get a camera, no one is going to believe this!”. Three months later he got his first underwater camera, a second hand Nikonos III and has been taking photos underwater ever since.  After shooting film underwater for 18 years Ross made the switch to digital underwater photography with in 2002 and currently uses a Canon 7D in a Nauticam housing.  When not diving there is nothing more he likes to do than pass on his 30+ years of underwater photography knowledge and experience to help others improve their underwater photography skills and currently runs underwater photography courses at Sundive in Byron Bay, Australia.

    Ross has won awards in many major underwater photographic competitions including:

    He has been published in several magazines including Scuba Diving Magazine (USA), Asian Diver and Ocean Geographic.   In 2010 Ross had one of his shots included in an article published in the Guardian and Telegraph newspapers (UK) titled IThe World’s Best Underwater Photographs 2010

    This 2 Day course designed for those who have their own camera, have been shooting for while and are frustrated with not getting
    the results they want and/or want to learn new techniques to improve their UW photography.

    RossGudgeon

     

    Course structure:

    Friday Night

    Welcome from Ross and start absorbing his wealth of information!

    Camera knowledge & settings
    Taking better UW photos
    Composition

    Saturday

    2 dives to set the bar – Where your photography is up to

    Lighting
    Wide Angle Photography
    Macro Photography
    Q&A session

    Sunday
    2 dives to practice skills
    Post Processing
    Critique and Q&A session

  • Weekend on North Stradbroke Island – MANTA FEST !!

    Weekend on North Stradbroke Island – MANTA FEST !!

    THE TRIP
    North Stradbroke Island is a pristine, secluded island paradise – a hidden treasure only one hour from central Brisbane.  Diving off Stradbroke Island can only be described as exhilarating! The dive sites you will explore are only a 10- 15 minute boat ride from shore and Manta Bommie has been rated in the top 10 dive sites in Australia.

    Straddie’s reefs are teeming with various marine life like Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks during Summer (Oct- Apr), endangered Grey Nurse Sharks and Humpback Whales during Winter (May- Sept), plus Bull and Eagle Rays, guitar and Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles, Dolphins, Octopus, Pelagics, hard and soft corals, Nudibranchs plus hundreds of tropical fish species.

    We will be right in the middle of Manta Season then with an average of 6 manta rays sighted per dive!

    There is a choice of 12 varying dive sites to choose from and we can plan your trip based around your experience level which include the most popular sites of Manta Bommie, Flat Rock and Shag Rock.

    Manta at Manta Bommie

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION
    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    Friday, 16- 18 March 2018

    To book online for this weekend of diving click HERE

    PRICE

    $750 per person

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip
    Advanced Open Water Course @ $275 per person
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $245 per person for manual learning or $390 for on-line learning (both prices include 2 Nitrox fills)
    Peak Performance Buoyancy @ $245 per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED
    2 night’s accommodation at Manta Lodge
    8 dives
    Return Ferry transfers to North Stradbroke Island
    Land transfers on Stradbroke Island
    Tanks and weights
    Transport to and from Woolloongabba if required
    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

    GEAR HIRE
    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the day and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. If you do not have your own mask, snorkel, fins and boots these items are available for hire through the operator. Underwater camera and torches are also available if arranged in advance and are subject to availability.

     

    The quintessential diver and manta pic. This famous photo was taken by Manta's very own David Biddulph.
    The quintessential diver and manta pic. This famous photo was taken by Manta’s very own David Biddulph.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ITINERARY
    The timings for this weekend of diving will be dependant on the number of dives you do over the weekend. If you choose to do the full weekend of diving; I have noted the timings below. A more detailed itinerary will be sent to the divers closer to the date.

    You have the option of meeting the group either at the ferry terminal in Cleveland or in Woolloongabba where John will drive you to Cleveland in our van.

    Departing Woolloongabba

    We will meet at 4pm sharp at Adreno, 54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba. You are able to park your car here for the weekend, either off street parking or at the rear of Adreno.

    Departing Cleveland

    We will be catching the Big Red Cat car and passenger ferry which will depart Toondah Harbour (1 Emmett Drv, Cleveland) at 5pm sharp . Please meet John at the ferry by 4:45 pm.

    We will aim to catch the 5:55 pm ferry from Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island) and should be back at Cleveland by 6:30pm on Sunday. If you are travelling back to Adreno with John, we should have you back there around 7:30pm. There maybe a possibility that we could catch an earlier ferry back to the mainland, however this will all be dependant on the running of the day.

     

    Manta Bommie
    Another great photo from the Manta Whisperer – David “Biddy” Biddulph

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP
    Advanced Open Water
    Nitrox
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    To book online click HERE

     

     

     

  • Dive the EX HMAS Brisbane, Wreck and Nitrox courses

    Dive the EX HMAS Brisbane, Wreck and Nitrox courses

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE

    Commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1967 the HMAS Brisbane was a 133 metre, Charles F Adams Class DDG, guided missile destroyer of approx 5000 tons. The HMAS BRISBANE served Australia faithfully for 34 years, till she was decommissioned in 2001. She served in both the Vietnam and Gulf wars and assisted on many humanitarian missions such as in Darwin in 1974 after cyclone Tracey.

    In January 2003, the Queensland Government agreed to accept the decommissioned HMAS Brisbane from the Commonwealth Government for sinking off the Sunshine Coast as an artificial reef and dive site.

    On 31 July 2005, with the expertise of a crew who had extensive experience in scuttling ships for artificial reefs at a site 2.9 nautical miles east of Mudjumba Island off the Sunshine Coast these explosives were detonated and in 2 minutes and 10 seconds, the former HMAS BRISBANE was on the bottom in 28 metres of water.

    The HMAS Brisbane offers a great opportunity for you to complete your enriched air and wreck diving specialities.
    The wreck now serves as a world-class artificial reef and diving site. Sitting bolt upright the HMAS Brisbane has 15 metres of water over her forward decks and 18 metres over her stern.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Must have your own dive torch to do these dives (rentals available) Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site
    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    Sunday, 22 November 2020

    Friday, 27 November 2020

    Wreck course : Sunday 22 and Friday 27 November 2020

    To book online for a day or weekend dive trip click HERE

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRICE

    Day Trip

    $250 per person – 2 dives, tanks and weights, return transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

    Enriched Air Speciality– additional $245 (total $495) – course materials (manual learning), nitrox fills and the services of your dive instructor

     (2 day trip)

    $500 per person – 4 dives, tanks and weights, return transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

    PADI Wreck diver speciality course @ $675 per person- includes course materials, 4 dives over 2 days, tanks and weights, the services of your dive instructor and transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

    PADI Wreck diver and Enriched Air speciality courses @ $850 per person- includes course materials, 4 dives over 2 days, Nitrox fills and weights, the services of your dive instructor and transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability. All hire gear must be organised prior to the trip date.

    ITINERARY

    You will be doing a maximum of 2 dives each day and these dives are usually done in the morning, allowing you to have your afternoon free. An itinerary with timings will be sent to those booked onto the trip closer to the trip date.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PADI COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Enriched Air (Nitrox) (perfect for this trip)*
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist
    Wreck Diver (perfect for this trip)

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    * The Nitrox specialty is the only specialty that you can do at the same time as another qualifying dive so this is the perfect opportunity to do two specialties in one go!

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

     OR 

    To book online click HERE

  • Lady Elliot and the Capricorn Bunker Group Liveaboard Weekend

    Lady Elliot and the Capricorn Bunker Group Liveaboard Weekend

    LADY ELLIOT ISLAND & THE CAPRICORN BUNKER GROUP

    IMG_5029

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip
    Come and join us on South East Queensland’s ONLY live aboard Big Cat Reality. The Big Cat crew will be taking us to the Bunker group of Islands and Cays. This trip is 4 days of unique dive sites in the Capricorn Bunker Groupand surrounding Lady Elliot Island! This trip is a must for every diver with diverse coral cays, reefs, islands and abundant marine life.

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    IMG_4977

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TRIP DATES & PRICES

    24 – 28 March 2016 – Easter Long Weekend – $1,359 per person- SOLD OUT

    What’s Included
    Up to 18 
    dives including a night dives
    Accommodation on all nights in air conditioned bunks
    All your meals, including fresh fruit and snacks between dives
    Large Stable 25 metre vessel
    Huge dive deck and fresh water tubs for your camera equipment
    All air fills
    Transport to Bundaberg for the first 6 to book on

    IMG_4729

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What’s Excluded
    $20 per person GBRMPA reef tax to be paid on board
    Tanks
    Weights
    All Dive Gear
    Transport to Bundaberg if you are making your own way
    Alcohol (No alcohol can be brought on board as this is a licensed boat)
    Soft drinks

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    4 Day Trip Itinerary

    The First Night: (Thursday 24th March) (Passage Plan) We all meet at the Bundaberg Port Marina by 5.00 pm, where everyone stows their gear and settles in onboard.  The master then introduces the crew, gives the safety brief and you watch our induction DVD.  A light supper is served and we depart Burnett Heads at about 8:30pm.  (For anyone wanting a meal before boarding, there is a great fish & chip takeaway located at Burnett Heads 5 min from the Marina).  “Big Cat Reality” then steams overnight to Llewelyn Reef and arrives ready for an early morning dive.

    Day One: (Friday 25th) Day one starts with two great dives at Llewelyn Reef to get you started and then a short move north to Lamont Reef for an afternoon of exploring this amazing and rarely dived reef.  After completing 5 dives for the day, we settle down for our first night on the Great Barrier Reef.

     

    IMG_4893

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Day Two: (Saturday 26th) On the second day we start the day with an early morning dive at Lamont Reef before move south to spend the rest of the day diving the sites around Hoskins Island where we generally get the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear lagoon with reef sharks and baby sea turtles.

    Day Three: (Sunday 27th) On the second day we wake up at the world famous Lady Elliott Island where there is always heaps of beautiful Manta rays and great viz.  You will have the opportunity to dive all the best sites here including the Blow hole, Hero’s Cave and Lighthouse Bommie.  Our last night on the reef is finished off with a calm night dive and a BBQ on the top deck followed by a great night’s sleep.

    Day Four: (Monday 28th) Our last day gives us the RARE opportunity to explore a little known dive site called the “Snake Pitt”.  This site is well off shore and has an amazing landscape with huge over hangs and swim throughs and of course heaps of Sea Snakes and Big Fish.  Weather permitting we are able to dive the Snake Pitt we will then do two dives at Lady Elliot before  we head back to Bundaberg, arriving at approximately 6:30pm. If we are unable to dive the Snake Pitt we will do three dives at Lady Elliot.

    This trip is truly great fun and top value. Included: up to 18 dives, all air fills, all meals, 4 nights air-conditioned accommodation, dive master services and full use of all facilities onboard.

     

    Specialities Suitable for this trip
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Under water Navigation

    Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to
    [email protected]

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Wooli – Pimpernel Rock and the North Solitary Islands!

    Wooli – Pimpernel Rock and the North Solitary Islands!

     

    THE TRIP

    The islands are just a short 20 minute ride away and will provide you with some absolutely world class diving. The islands are not only home to the temperate species, but being the southernmost limit of permanent colonies of tropical species.

    North Solitary Island is only 7 nautical miles from Wooli. The marine park reserve is famous for a diverse variety of marine life, thickly populated at different dive locations around the island.

    At the north eastern end is a small sheltered inlet called Anemone Bay. The boulder strewn site is carpeted with anemones and numerous Anemone fish, cowries, rays, turtles and hard and soft corals.

    The Step, is a rocky drop-off; the wall drops from 15m to 45m and numerous sharks, giant Manta Ray, cod, eagle and bull rays patrol this section.

    The Canyons is another popular spot best described as a multi-coloured aquarium with a few southern species thrown in. Also famous for Painted Cray’s and large dive able depressions in the ocean floor.

    The Bubble Cave near a spot called Southern Anchorage. The cave is very dark and a torch is required to appreciate it. There are air bubbles trapped at the top of the cave. Fish life includes Lion Fish, large schools of White Bait and Spanish Dancers at times cling to the walls of the cave.

    Fish Soup is one of the most requested dive locations. Located at a group of wave washed rocks called North West Rock. It is renowned for a variety of larger fish species such as Black Cod, Mangrove Jack’s , Jew Fish, Spangled Emperor, Snapper, Red Mowong, Tarwhine just to name a few.


    Pimpernel Rock Site Plan

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pimpernel Rock

    The depth of this site is 40 metres and features steep pinnacles and a large tunnel.

    Pimpernel Rock is one of the finest scuba diving locations along the entire New South Wales Coast.  This site is also isolated, doesn’t break the surface and is some distance from solid earth.  There is an enormous cavern approximately 12m high and 15m wide in the centre of the vast main structure some 40 metres from the surface. All manner of sea life including sharks inhabit the giant shelter.

    Sponge gardens decorate a reef spreading from the base of each of the three pinnacles. Large rocky bolders, small trenches and overhangs, flat areas and step overs host seafans, seawhips and anemones.

    Tom Byron arguably one of the most prolific divers in Australia and one of the godfather’s of East coast diving rates this as his number 1 site. Two Pinnacles with an underwater cavern connecting them surrounded by Grey Nurse sharks and prolific sea life.

     

    Pimpernel Rock

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Advanced Open Water Diver only
    Depth ranges from 6 – 40 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request at an additional cost
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    Friday, 24 – Sunday, 26 June 2016

    PRICE & INCLUSIONS

    Midweek Trip @ $400 per person and includes 3 dives, 1 nights’ accommodation, return transport from Brisbane to Wooli, BBQ dinner of arrival and continental breakfast in the morning, tanks and weights.

    Weekend Trip @ $600 per person and includes 4 dives, 2 nights’ accommodation, return transport from Brisbane to Wooli, BBQ dinner on Saturday night and continental breakfast each morning, tanks and weights.

     

    Peppermint shrimp

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    All Dive Gear
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure (with the exception of meals otherwise specified)

     GEAR HIRE
    PDS is able to rent you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability. All gear must be arranged prior to the trip.

     

    Clown Fish, Anenome Bay, North Solitary Islands, NSW

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ITINERARY
    The group travelling in the PDS van will be departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) late in the afternoon on first day of the trip and from here you will be driven in our company van to Wooli. Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation, have a BBQ dinner and get a good night sleep ready to dive in the morning.

    Depending on the trip and the number of dives will determine the return time to Brisbane at the end of the trip. A full itinerary with more accurate timings  and details will be sent to the divers prior to the dive trip.

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP
    Advanced Open Water
    Nitrox(Enriched Air)
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

     

     

     

  • Wolf Rock  – Grey Nurse Sharks All Year Round!!

    Wolf Rock – Grey Nurse Sharks All Year Round!!

    THE DIVE SITE

    Wolf Rock at Rainbow Beach is one of the few places in Australia where you can see Grey Nurse Sharks all year round and they are HUGE! Compare Wolf Rock to other dive sites where Grey Nurse Sharks are only seen in winter, this site is truly unique. Wolf Rock is also the ONLY known aggregation site for pregnant female grey nurse shark on the whole east coast of Australia.

    At the end of mating season (Oct- Dec) the numbers of grey nurse shark found at Wolf Rock increases dramatically; meaning that you will be diving with mainly female sharks. It is understood that Wolf Rock receives 50% of the pregnant females and no-one knows where the other 50% go. This has triggered scientists to research their movements and find other aggregation site/s. They suspect it is somewhere in southeast Queensland, perhaps even at the top end of Fraser Island.

    Wolf Rock – Video by Simon Walkden-Brown

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    DIVE INFORMATION

    -Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers or Open Water Divers doing their Advanced Open Water Course
    -Depth ranges from 10 – 35 metres
    -EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     

     

     

     

    TRIP DATES

    DAY TRIPS

    Thursday 31 December 2020

    To book online for one of our Wolf Rock day trips click HERE 

    WEEKEND TRIPS

    11 to 13 December 2020

    Day Trip – $300 per person- 2 dives, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

    Midweek Overnight Trip – $600 per person- 4 dives, 1 night accommodation, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip  and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

    Weekend Trip – $650 per person 4 dives, 2 nights accommodation, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    Diving on Nitrox@ $ 40 per double dive
    PADI Advanced Open Water Course @ $275 per person
    PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $295 per person for manual or $445 for on-line learning. These prices include 2 nitrox fills

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    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at lesiure

     GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    Alternatively, gear hire can be arranged from the operator, however this could be at a much higher cost.

    COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP 

    Advanced Open Water
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    Book online via one of the following links:

    Day Dive Trip- To book online for one of our Wolf Rock day trips click HERE 

    Weekend Dive Trip- To book online for a weekend trip click HERE