nquec.org.au · Community
Community dive guide with access and current-planning notes.
Dive Spot Guide•
Yongala
Yongala's exposed wreck dive with dense marine life
Local operator required
Boat-only wreck access is normally run by local day-trip or liveaboard operators.
Boat-only advanced wreck dive; current and sea state drive the day, and slack-water timing pays off.
About Yongala
Yongala is a fully exposed offshore wreck dive in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with the hull sitting proud of the seabed and coral and marine life wrapping the structure. It suits advanced divers who are comfortable with current, careful buoyancy, and staying outside the wreck. Plan the dive for slack water and clean sea conditions; it is a special-trip day out, not a casual shore entry.
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Research Estimate At Yongala
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessChallenging entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentStrong current
SurgeStrong surge
Where Is Yongala?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Yongala Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
15m - 33m
Depth Note
Top of the wreck is about 15 m; the wreck drops onto a sandy bottom around 33 m.
Best Season
June to September often offers the most reliable diving window, with calmer periods and better visibility more likely.
Typical Conditions
Exposed offshore conditions, strong current, and variable visibility are normal. Dive it on a settled day and aim for turn of tide.
Safety & Access At Yongala
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environmentRestricted accessStrong current
Safety Notes
Advanced divers only. Strong current, exposed sea state, and a protected wreck zone make planning and buoyancy control essential.
Access Restrictions
Advanced divers only. No penetration diving. Protected-zone access requires a permit, and anchoring on the wreck zone is prohibited.
Legal Notes
Yongala is a protected historic wreck. Do not touch, collect, or interfere with relics, and follow permit rules for protected-zone entry.
Local Intel For Yongala
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Scuba is the normal way to dive Yongala: stay outside the wreck, keep buoyancy tight, and manage current on the return.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target. The site is exposed, boat-only, and best handled as a scuba wreck dive.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site. The wreck is offshore and deep enough that snorkelling does not give a meaningful visit.
Wildlife at Yongala
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Yongala
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Yongala
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
