www.environment.nsw.gov.au · Official
Heritage report for location, depth, tidal flow, structure, and protection.
Dive Spot Guide•
PS Ballina Wreck
Shallow, tide-sensitive paddle-steamer wreck off Port Macquarie.
Scuba DivingIntermediate
Local operator required
The dive window is short and tide-dependent, so local guidance is advisable.
PS Ballina lies at the Hastings River entrance near Port Macquarie's breakwall. It is shallow but tide-sensitive, with a short slack-water window.
About PS Ballina Wreck
A historic paddle-steamer wreck at the Hastings River entrance in Port Macquarie, sitting inside an active channel near the breakwall. The site is compact and structure-rich, with surviving engine-room and paddle-wheel remains, cunjevoi cover, and a narrow slack-water window that makes planning and timing more important than depth.
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Research Estimate At PS Ballina Wreck
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CurrentStrong current
Where Is PS Ballina Wreck?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
PS Ballina Wreck Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
5m - 6m
Depth Note
The wreck remains in about five to six metres of water.
Safety & Access At PS Ballina Wreck
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficRestricted accessStrong current
Safety Notes
Plan the dive around slack tide, keep the profile conservative, and treat the entrance channel as a working waterway.
Access Restrictions
Protected historic wreck with a narrow tide window; local access advice is recommended.
Legal Notes
Protected Historic Shipwreck; relics and associated material are protected.
Local Intel For PS Ballina Wreck
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The shallow wreck is a compact wreck dive with visible structural remains and active marine growth.
Wildlife at PS Ballina Wreck
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At PS Ballina Wreck
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At PS Ballina Wreck
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.
