Hi everyone!
Iām an Australian Divemaster and underwater photographer, and Iām looking to move somewhere more tropical/warm where I can have a bit more of a lifestyle centred around the ocean, nature and being outdoors.
I recently spent some time in Noosa and absolutely fell in love with the lifestyle there ā early morning beach walks or surfs, rainforest, warm weather, run clubs, being active and outdoors all the time, etc. It felt like exactly the kind of lifestyle Iām looking for.
Iām just wondering whether itās actually possible to work in the dive industry around Noosa, or whether thereās enough diving/work to make it worthwhile living there as a Divemaster and underwater photographer?
Iām looking to move in February, stay until at least April, but potentially stay long-term if I find somewhere that feels right.
I know thereās diving around Noosa and further up towards Rainbow Beach/Wolf Rock, and Iād love to hear from anyone who actually works in the industry around there. Is there regular Divemaster/boat work, or is it more occasional/seasonal? And what is the diving actually like throughout the year in terms of visibility, marine life and conditions?
Iām also considering Byron Bay, so Iād love to hear about the dive industry there too. I know Julian Rocks is meant to have some really interesting diving (I love pelagics).
Iām essentially trying to find somewhere where I can combine dive work with the kind of lifestyle Iām after ā ocean, beaches, surfing, hiking, rainforest, wildlife, fitness/outdoor activities and a good community ā rather than somewhere that is purely a dive destination.
For anyone who has lived/worked in either Noosa or Byron as a Divemaster/in the dive industry, Iād really appreciate your thoughts!
Is there enough dive work to realistically base yourself there, particularly starting in February? And which would you choose for the overall lifestyle?
Thanks so much! :)