Map location of SS Yongala Wreck

SS Yongala Wreck

Protected offshore wreck with dense fish life and advanced conditions.

ScubaBoat EntryAdvanced
Artificial ReefWreck
Boat-only advanced dive from the Townsville region, combining a heritage-protected wreck, deeper profiles, and current-sensitive open-water conditions.

About SS Yongala Wreck

SS Yongala Wreck is a protected offshore wreck dive south of Townsville where a fully marine-encrusted ship sits in open blue water and functions as one of Australia's signature big-animal dive sites. The wreck is the structure, but the real draw is the living reef around it: dense fish biomass, rays, sharks, and the feeling of descending onto a historic vessel that must be treated with the discipline of both a heritage site and an exposed advanced dive.

Research Estimate At SS Yongala Wreck

Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.

VisibilityVisibility: 15m
AccessDifficult access
Coral HealthMixed health
Marine LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
Current StrengthStrong current
Surge StrengthModerate surge

Where Is SS Yongala Wreck?

Map location of SS Yongala Wreck
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.

SS Yongala Wreck Planning Details

Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.

Reported Depth

15m - 29m

Depth Note

Townsville operator and destination planning guidance consistently frame the top of the wreck at about 15 m with the seabed around 29 m.

Best Season

Yongala is best treated as a weather-window priority through the drier months, with an extra buffer day built into the itinerary because wind and swell can cancel boats.

Typical Conditions

Can have very strong currents.

Safety & Access At SS Yongala Wreck

Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.

Key Hazards

Strong currentRestricted access

Safety Notes

Very strong currents may be present. Do not penetrate or touch the wreck as it is a gravesite.

Access Restrictions

No penetration or touching the wreck; it is a gravesite.

Legal Notes

The SS Yongala is protected underwater cultural heritage. Divers must not penetrate the wreck or disturb artefacts, and operators handle the protected-zone access rules as part of the trip.

Local Intel For SS Yongala Wreck

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Scuba

Wreck dive with no penetration permitted.

SS Yongala Wreck Dive Conditions Planner

Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at SS Yongala Wreck.

Current Snapshot
No data
🌥️Variable
Sunrise
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Time
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Sunset
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Surface / Entry
Wind No data · Tide No data
Great
Sea State
Swell No data · Period unavailable
Great
Visibility Outlook
Rain chance No data
Great
Wind
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Swell
No data

Exposure Profile at SS Yongala Wreck

Directional shelter context for incoming swell.

Exposure Note

Hourly forecast data is not available yet.

Recent Logged Visits At SS Yongala Wreck

Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.

No Dive Logs Yet

Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!

Dive Spot Log Averages At SS Yongala Wreck

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.

Conditions
Avg. Visibility15m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
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SS Yongala Wreck Guide - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.

SS Yongala Wreck Guide - Sources and Updates

Last Updated

Research Sources

Townsville operator guidance for Yongala trip logistics, depth profile, and diver expectations.

Protected-zone and underwater cultural heritage rules applying to historic shipwrecks such as the Yongala.

www2.gbrmpa.gov.au · Official

Great Barrier Reef protection and low-impact diving guidance relevant to reef and wreck etiquette.

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