SYDNEY’S MAGIC DRAGON

SYDNEY, NSW

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t the be all and end all when it comes to diving in Australia. There are some incredible dive spots that perhaps slip under the radar of most travellers, overshadowed by that Natural Wonder of the World in Queensland. Manly Dive Centre will take you into the temperate waters just off Sydney for a day of diving that should be on your bucket list. divesydney.com.au FIRST STOP: Dive site The Apartments, off Collaroy on the Northern Beaches. Here you will see shoals of yellowtail scad and unusual rock formations – some of which you can swim through. And through the masses of fish you’ll eventually see endangered grey nurse sharks emerge. Listed as critically endangered on the east coast, their fearsome faces hide a gentle nature. Growing up to 3.6 metres in length, keep a respectful distance and swim alongside these graceful predators. SECOND STOP: Old Man’s Hat dive site, just off North Head. Here you’ll find a rocky reef of colourful sponge gardens, walls and overhangs. Take a look at the colourful sea slugs, wobbegong and Port Jackson sharks, blue groper and schools of pomfret, but keep an especially keen eye out for the well camouflaged weedy sea dragon. This beautiful animal can be seen gliding over the bottom disguised as a piece of floating weed. Find one, inspect it closer and you’ll see that it looks like an elongated sea horse, with a long snout, and leafy appendages that give it its name. It’s beautifully patterned with iridescent blues and yellow spots, so make sure you have an underwater camera for Sydney’s shy dragon.