Sites where a certified diver, a snorkeller and a nervous first-timer can all get in at the same beach: shallow, sheltered, easy entry, plenty to see in the top five metres, and usually a car park, toilets and a café nearby.
Updated daily from the directory. 7 sites listed.
1. Christmas Island · External Territory
Flying Fish Cove
Arguably Australia's best shore dive: a pristine coral slope and wall 50 m from the car park, endemic and hybrid reef fish, and whale sharks passing the drop-off in season.
2. Christmas Island · External Territory
The Sandpatch
A dense garden eel colony and easy shallow reef right off the beach; the island's go-to training and night dive.
3. Cocos (Keeling) Islands · External Territory
Cossies Beach
Calm, shallow lagoon snorkelling off one of Australia's most celebrated beaches, right beside The Rip.
4. Norfolk Island · External Territory
Emily Bay
Calm, sheltered lagoon snorkel over coral outcrops with Norfolk's endemic fish, in a World Heritage convict setting.
5. Norfolk Island · External Territory
Slaughter Bay
Sheltered sand-and-coral lagoon snorkel beside Kingston, with night snorkelling possible and the Sirius wreck site beyond the reef.
6. Cocos (Keeling) Islands · External Territory
Pulu Maraya
Walk across the reef flat from Scout Park and drift around a palm-covered islet with clams, turtles, octopus and baby blacktips.
7. Cocos (Keeling) Islands · External Territory
Trannies Beach
A calm, sheltered beach snorkel in a no-take National Park zone – ideal for children and beginners.
Frequently asked questions
Where can non-divers join in?
Any site marked snorkel-friendly. Cabbage Tree Bay at Manly, Port Noarlunga, the Mornington piers, Tangalooma, Lady Elliot's lagoon and Tinderbox are among the easiest.
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