June 17-30, 2026*

Australia

Dive the Great Barrier Reef & Encounter Minke Whales

For Travelers
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*Exact travel days may vary slightly based on flight schedules

Photos featured on this page were taken by Tom Pederson on his four previous Scuba Center trips to the Australia.

After a week at sea, experience the beauty of the Kuranda rainforest, the charm of Sydney, and the dramatic landscapes of the Blue Mountains. This trip combines reef, rainforest, and city life for a complete Australian experience.

Join Scuba Center for a once-in-a-lifetime dive trip to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, perfectly timed for Minke whale season. Each winter, these gentle giants migrate through the Ribbon Reefs, offering divers rare and respectful encounters in clear, warm water.

Our journey begins in Cairns, where you’ll board the Spirit of Freedom liveaboard for seven nights of spectacular diving. Explore Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs, and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, home to potato cod, reef sharks, and kaleidoscopic coral walls.

Our Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Cairns

    Arrive in Cairns, settle into your hotel, and enjoy the waterfront with your group.

  • Days 2-8: Spirit of Freedom Liveaboard

    Board the Spirit of Freedom for a full week of diving and adventure.
    Explore the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs and, weather permitting, venture out to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

    Expect up to 26 dives, including drift dives, shark encounters, and vibrant coral walls.

    ✺ All meals, snacks, and beverages included

    ✺ Nitrox and camera facilities available onboard

  • Days 9-10: Cairns & Kuranda

    Return to Cairns and enjoy two days exploring the region.


    Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway, glide above the rainforest on the Skyrail, and visit the Rainforestation Nature Park for wildlife encounters and an Aboriginal cultural experience.

  • Days 11-13: Sydney & the Blue Mountains

    Fly south to Sydney, one of the world’s most iconic cities.
    Stay downtown near Darling Harbour and explore the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and local markets.
    A day trip to the Blue Mountains offers sweeping views, bushwalks, and native wildlife.
    Wrap up your adventure with a Twilight Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour.

  • Day 14: Departure

    Breakfast at your hotel before transfers to the airport for your flight home.

Trip Cost

Spirit of Freedom Cabin Options (per person, double occupancy)

  • Deluxe Ocean View (Double Bed Cabin): $7,195 SOLD OUT

  • Ocean View (Double Bed Cabin): $7,095

  • Stateroom (Queen Bed Cabin): $6,545 SOLD OUT

  • Double & Twin Cabin (Double Under & Single Over): $5,895

  • Quad Cabin (Single Bunks): $5,345

**All rates quoted by Scuba Center include a 3% discount for cash or check payments.

Inclusions

✓ 7 nights aboard Spirit of Freedom with all meals, wine, and diving

✓ Up to 26 dives (weather dependent)

✓ Tanks, weights, and air fills

✓ 3 nights at DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns with daily breakfast

✓ 3-course group dinner at Dundee’s waterfront restaurant

✓ Kuranda and Rainforest Tour with lunch and transfers

✓ 3 nights at Rydges World Square Sydney with daily breakfast

✓ Blue Mountains Excursion including Featherdale Wildlife Park and 2-course lunch

✓ Opera House Tour and Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

✓ All airport and hotel transfers

✓ Taxes and service fees

Requirements

  • Scuba certification card required for each diver.

  • We recommend all divers purchase DAN membership

    click logo to be taken to their site

  • We highly recommend all travelers purchase travel insurance.

  • A passport is required for travel.

Not Included

X International airfare

X Diving equipment rental, Nitrox, or certification courses

X Meals not listed in itinerary

X Gratuities, personal expenses, and travel insurance
Reserve your spot
See our other trips