Top Dive Sites

Yongala Wreck

Description: The SS Yongala is one of the most renowned wreck dives in the world. Sunk during a cyclone in 1911, the ship now lies 28 meters below the surface, creating an artificial reef that has become a haven for marine life. The wreck is largely intact, stretching 109 meters in length, and is covered in corals and sea fans making it a vivid underwater museum.

Marine Species: The wreck teems with species like giant trevally, groupers, and sea snakes. You’re also likely to encounter schools of barracuda, turtles, and even the occasional bull shark. Smaller residents include nudibranchs and various anemonefish.

Unique Encounters: The Yongala is famed for its vast biodiversity. Expect to see massive Queensland gropers that can be as large as a diver, as well as eagle rays gracefully gliding above the wreck. During certain times of the year, you might even spot migrating manta rays and reef sharks.

Photography: Yongala Wreck offers incredible photo opportunities with its colorful corals, dynamic marine life, and the eerie beauty of the ship itself. Wide-angle lenses are recommended to capture the grandeur of the wreck, while macro lenses can be used to focus on the detailed marine life.

Suitability: This dive site is best suited for advanced divers due to the depth and occasional strong currents. However, it is accessible to intermediate divers with relevant experience and proper buoyancy control.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The Yongala Wreck dive site typically enjoys warm waters throughout the year, ranging from 22°C (72°F) in the winter months to around 28°C (82°F) in the summer. You’ll rarely need anything more than a 3mm wetsuit, though some prefer thicker wetsuits during the cooler months.

Visibility: Visibility at the Yongala can vary but is usually excellent, often between 10 to 30 meters (30 to 100 feet). The best visibility is usually found from April to November, with somewhat reduced visibility during the summer months due to increased plankton bloom.

Currents and Tides: Currents at the Yongala Wreck can be moderate to strong, and it’s important to time your dives with slack tide for the most comfortable diving conditions. The strength of the current can vary daily, so always check with local dive centers. Spring tides can produce stronger currents, making it more suitable for experienced divers.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a local guide who is knowledgeable about the wreck and the current conditions.</ li>
• Ensure you’re adequately trained and experienced for diving in currents if you plan to dive without a guide.
• Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid damaging the fragile marine life that thrives on the wreck.
• Bring a dive light to explore the darker sections of the wreck and to enjoy the vibrant colors of the corals and marine life.
• Plan your dive and adhere strictly to your dive plan as the depth of the wreck can lure divers deeper.
• Be cautious of the boat traffic and always deploy a surface marker buoy when ascending.

Regulations: Diving the Yongala Wreck requires respect for local marine park regulations and guidelines. These include:

• Do not touch or disturb the wreck or marine life.
• Fishing and spearfishing are prohibited in the marine park area surrounding the wreck.
• Anchoring is not allowed on the wreck; instead, use designated mooring buoys.
• Follow local guidelines regarding maximum dive depths and times, especially given the wreck’s depth and potential for strong currents.
• Report any sightings of illegal fishing or anchoring to local authorities to help preserve the site.