A diver approaches a sea fan at South Park, Clerke Reef, Rowley Shoals, Western Australia

Ian D M Robertson/Shutterstock

Rowley Shoals Marine Park

Broome


These three coral atolls lie approximately 300km from Broome in the Indian Ocean, on the edge of Australia's continental shelf, and have a reputation for some of the best diving in the country. Protected by a marine park, there's over 600 species of fish and 200-plus different varieties of coral. At a good 12-hour cruise from land, the shoals only see a minute number of visitors each year. Several Broome operators offer multi-night cruises for experienced divers.

The shoals also attract large numbers of migratory sea birds.