Great Barrier Reef Blog

Diving in the rainforest

Have you ever thought of diving in the clear waters of the rainforest? In the hills behind Mackay, at Finch Hatton Gorge, you can do just that and see a whole bunch of different critters: long neck turtles, catfish, eels, worms, shrimp, and if you are lucky – even a platypus.

The unique, fully guided tours start with platypus education and a show and tell of the different critters so you know what to look out for. 

Mackay islands

Keswick Island – The waters around Keswick Island are home to numerous snorkelling and dive sites. Discover shipwrecks that lie off the shores or enjoy shallow-depth shore dives that allow you to explore the reef and an array of marine life including Maori wrasse, manta rays and humpback whales (during whale season). The Great Barrier Reef coral fringes Keswick and provides magnificent snorkelling, especially at Connie Bay and Coral Gardens, where you’ll spot turtles, rays and a host of rare marine life.

Scawfell Island – This uninhabited island offers pristine coral gardens to explore as well as the historic Llewellyn shipwreck (discovered 80 years after it had sunk). Spot olive sea snakes, endangered and vulnerable loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles, moray eels, sharks and manta rays.

A range of day and extended trips for snorkelling and diving the islands are available from Mackay. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAYS AND REEFS IN THE MACKAY REGION.