4 Day 3 Night Liveaboard – Southern Great Barrier Reef Expedition

Enjoy liveaboard scuba diving onboard Advance II a comfortable 18m sailing ketch exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef.  This 4 Day 3 Night Liveaboard trip will show you sections of the Southern Great Barrier Reef rarely dived. Your dive locations will see you visiting the reefs of Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island and the Fairfax Islands as well as diving the ex-HMAS Tobruk Shipwreck which is the newest shipwreck sunk for diving enthusiasts.  The Group of Islands unveils a mesmerizing underwater wonderland, where reefs flourish in abundance as does the marine life. These reefs, pulsating with life and colour, beckon divers into a realm of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.

Diving beneath the surface, expect to be greeted by a kaleidoscope of marine life coral gardens, adorned with intricate formations, provide sanctuary to an array of fascinating creatures. From playful clownfish darting among swaying anemones to graceful sea turtles and manta rays gliding effortlessly in the waters of Lady Elliot Island.

This section of the Great barrier Reef boasts a stunning diversity of coral species, with visibility ranging from 10m up to 40m during different times of the year.

Experience amazing sunsets and sunrises, while divers and snorkelers are treated to a sensory feast unlike any other. With visibility often exceeding 30 meters, every dive offers unique marine encounters and diving experiences

Trip Highlights

• Only Liveaboard focused on offering diving/snorkelling on the Southern Great Barrier Reef
• Small numbers – 8 guests maximum
• Up to 10 certified dives (all guided) Includes a night dives
• Your adventure experience is all about the diving, food and fun

Cabin Types

Single bunks + Double Beds (Shared Facilities)

Departures – Set scheduled departures from Hervey Bay

More on the Dive Locations

Lady Elliot Island – Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay located at the southern tip of the GBR and is situated within a highly protected ‘Green Zone’. The coral cay is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life and is known for its abundance of manta rays, turtles, amazing array of spectacular marine life and unspoilt coral reef. It is said Lady Elliot along with Coral Bay in Western Australia have resident manta rays all year round.

Lady Musgrave Island – Lady Musgrave lies 23nm north of Lady Elliot Island and is surrounded by a vast turquoise lagoon. Set on 3000 acres of living reef, the protected lagoon stretches eight kilometres around the island. The island is built entirely of coral polyps and is covered in dense Pisonia forest, She-Oaks and Pandanus trees. Other than a walking trail through the forest, composting toilets for campers and a ‘lighthouse’, the rest of the island remains completely untouched.

Fairfax Islands – Fairfax Islands is a pair of small coral cays, both of which have been used as a bombing range in during the 1950’s. They are located just a few miles north of Lady Musgrave Island. The marine life and reef structures are like that of Musgrave, and it is this location where the tour experiences a ledge dive and drop off.

Ex-HMAS Tobruk Wreck – HMAS Tobruk (L 50) was a 127m 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. She was sunk in Great Sandy Marine Park in 2017 and is now considered one of the best wreck dives in Australia. She sits in 30m on the sand bed and is resting on her starboard side which makes her a fantastic dive site. The ship is located 25nm north of Hervey Bay.

Proposed Itinerary:
Note: Weather on the day and tides may alter the program slightly ..

Day 1

• Check in 1 hour prior to departure time.
• Depart on the high tide of the day
• Motor sail to ex HMAS Tobruk for Dive 1 and Dive 2 (night dive if possible)
• Overnight to Fairfax Islands

Day 2

• Dive 3 18m dive at Fairfax
• Motor to Lady Musgrave (1hour)
• Dive 4 18m fringe reef dive at Lady Musgrave Island
• Motor into Lagoon and anchor up
• Dive 5 Scooter/snorkel in lagoon
• Landing – Eco tour of Lady Musgrave Island (shoes are mandatory)
• Dive 6 9m night dive in the lagoon
• Overnight at Musgrave

Day 3

• Wake up to a swim/snorkel around the lagoon
• Weigh anchor and depart lagoon
• Dive 7 16m fringe reef at Musgrave
• Motor Sail to Lady Elliot (4 hours)
• Dive 8 at Lady Elliot
• Dive 9 at Lady Elliot (maybe Drift dive)
• Depart Elliot and overnight to Fraser Island waters

Day 4

• Cruise along Fraser (K’gari) Island
• Dive 10 snorkel/scuba depending on time conditions etc
• Arrive Hervey Bay on the Tide
• Disembark

What to bring?

• Clothing. The temperatures in Nov- March are warm! Shorts and t-shirt day and evening. Pack a long sleeve top for cooler nights. April – Oct are cool in the evenings and mornings so pack layers and a couple of warm sweatshirts. Don’t forget the beanie!
• Swimwear
• Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses and a light sun shirt
• Dive/snorkel equipment (the ship will carry an array of spares)
• Toiletries and medication (soap, hand wash and sunscreen are provided)
• Camera of course
• Luggage allowances on-board include: 1 x soft dive kit bag excluding tanks and weights. 1 x soft personal bag up to 15kgs. We prefer soft bags for ease of stowage.
• BYO – We allow BYO alcohol. NOTE: consumption of alcohol is at the discretion of the ships master or his/her nominee.

Mandatory

Majority of the dives on this tour are conducted off shore in open waters many miles from assistance. Safety is a priority for the tour and the following is not negotiable! Each diver MUST have:

• SMB – Safety Marker Bouy with thumb reel with minimum 30m line
• Dive Computer
• Gloves
• Certified Diver Proof (evidence required prior to departure))
• Must have dived within last 12 months