You can see enormous snapper, and a large assortment of brightly coloured fish to feast your eyes upon. If you’re lucky you can also see crayfish peeking out of the rocks.

The underwater scenery is like a seawater jungle, with swaying seaweed vines and steep cliff faces, dark corners and shallow rocks.

When you arrive at Leigh, you can hire snorkel gear from one of the shops, and go straight to the island. There is plenty of parking, though on hot summers day’s you might find yourself walking a little way to the island.

When you get to the waters edge, the island is a few footsteps/paddles away. There is a small amount of sand, but this is not a sunbathing beach. It has large trees and a big flattish area of rock just under the surface of the water to go right out nearly to the island, and to familiarise yourself with your gear.

Once you are goggled and finned up, take a dive into the wild side!

Depending on the weather, there is an enormous amount of time you can spend searching the wondrous sights under the clear water. There are heaps of fish, plants and rocks to observe at any one time.

It is advisable to take some food with you, and warm clothes as if the weather turns chilly, you will get really cold very quickly. There is a nice cafe not to far away called the Sawmill Cafe, which has live music and a place to stay if you need it.

It is a beautiful spot and is relatively safe for swimming and playing. It does get busy at times, but when your underwater, you rarely bump into anyone! There is huge expanse of water to investigate, with ancient snapper so old they are gnarled, and zebra fish with their black and white stripes swimming and feeding off the rocks.

There is a glass bottom boat tour available as well if this tickles your fancy.

Goat Island is a magical little place, which deserves your respect and admiration. It is a great place to take the family, and learn how to snorkel, or go diving to the depths of the ocean.

Accommodation