SS Yongala
Also known as: Yongala Wreck
Best time to dive
September to January; June to August
What you might see
- BarracudaLikely
- Eagle rayLikely
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Manta rayLikely
- Napoleon wrassePossible
- Sea turtleLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - not offered; wreck starts at ~14-15m depth, scuba-only, unsuitable for snorkeling
Safety notes
Strong/variable currents; fully exposed to weather; no-penetration policy strictly enforced (grave site of ~122 who died in 1911 sinking, plus structural/heritage protection); remote location requiring genuine open-water experience
Permits & fees
Historic Shipwreck Protected Zone (797m radius) under Commonwealth maritime heritage legislation - free dive permit required (commercial operators manage this); anchoring inside inner protected zone and penetration diving prohibited; standard GBR Marine Park EMC ~AUD $8/day also applies
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Ayr/Alva Beach
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.