Top places for underwater photography
The southern, Mackay-Capricorn section of the Great Barrier Reef, extends some 300 km and includes Lady Elliot Island, Heron Isalnd, the Bunker Group and the Capricorn Group. Its shallow lagoons and pristine waters make it excellent for underwater photography. Swains Reef, in particular, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and incredible coral growth. January to August are turtle hatching months, and turtles are common visitors to these waters. June-August are prime whale-watching months, while various seabirds and migratory waders can be photographed from October to March.
Some of Steve's most memorable underwater photographic experiences have been had in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, around Low Isles and Green Island. Both are easily accessible by charter boat from Port Douglas and Cairns respectively, but can be a little crowded in the summer months.
The underwater photography in and around Jervis Bay, NSW, is ranked among the best in Australia. Areas like Point Perpendicular, Stoney Creek and the seaward side of Bowen Island cater for deep-water diving (40-50 m). Steve dived and photographed this area regularly for five years and highly recommends it. Sealife is particularly prolific around the Stoney's Creek area, but watch out for strong currents.
Excellent underwater opportunities in relatively unexploited coastal waters can be found off Norfolk Island, some 1000 km due east of Byron Bay and about 2.5 hours by air from Sydney or Brisbane.
Australia's most southern reef is at Lord Howe Island, 480 km east of New South Wales and roughly two hours flight from Sydney. This World-Heritage-listed spot is high on Steve's list of "wonders" and offers excellent, well-protected underwater protography opportunities with a mix of tropical and temperate marine life.
Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is THE best place in the world to swim with, and photograph, the world's largest fish - the incredible Whale Shark. It's a truly remarkable experience and not to be missed.Dugong also frequent the area.
If you wish to photograph and interact with dolphins, try Monkey Mia on the Western Australian coast, Tin Can Bay in Queensland or Tangalooma at Moreton Island in Queensland, to get a glimpse (and a shot) of these beautiful, inquisitive creatures.
Whale-watching tours from Hervey Bay in Queensland and along the Northern New South Wales coast should provide you with shots of these majestic behemoths, however, it is difficult to get underwaters shots due to careful regulation to protect these gentle giants.