Townsville

The third name on the list is Townsville, which is well-known not only for its local dive sites but also for being the closest city to the mighty Yongala Wreck. If you enjoy wreck diving, you should not pass up the opportunity to dive the SS Yongala. This dive site is a true rockstar, consistently cited as one of the best diving destinations on the planet. It is a long way off the coast of Townsville, so visiting here onboard a liveaboard dive cruise is the best way to get the most out of this world-renowned site.

The Yongala, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the best-preserved wrecks in the world. She sank in 1911 and is still in great shape thanks to the Historic Shipwrecks Act, which prohibits anyone from entering the wreck. The wreck is a thriving artificial reef with numerous corals, fish, bull rays, and even passing bull sharks, and the interior is virtually untouched. At this wreck, one dive is never enough, so plan ahead and book a day or two there.

Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia