About this spot
The SS Yongala is one of Australia's most iconic wreck dives. This 110-meter iron steamship sank in 1911 and now rests on the seafloor within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The wreck sits upright and is largely intact, offering divers a chance to explore a piece of maritime history while encountering reef life that has colonized the structure. Depth ranges from 16 to 28 meters depending on which section you explore. The wreck is suitable for advanced divers only—currents can be strong, and penetration into the vessel requires training and experience. Most dives are conducted as guided trips with operators familiar with the site's layout and conditions. The Yongala attracts pelagic fish, rays, and reef species that use the wreck as shelter and feeding ground. Structural features include the hull, boiler, and holds, each presenting different exploration opportunities. The site is accessible year-round, though conditions vary seasonally. Being in a World Heritage Area, the wreck is protected, and diving is permitted under specific guidelines.
📖 Guide: Diving in Australia: 61 Sites from Coral Reefs to Cold-Water Wrecks
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type I · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: e-Visa · 90 days max
- Flight: 16h · direct
- Jet-lag: 9h east · 6 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive the SS Yongala?
The wreck is diveable year-round. Conditions vary by season—calmer periods typically occur in the Australian dry season (May–October), though this is not absolute. Always check current conditions and forecasts before planning a trip.
›What depth and difficulty is this dive?
Depth ranges 16–28 meters. This is an advanced dive requiring solid buoyancy control, experience with strong currents, and wreck diving skills if you plan to penetrate the vessel. Guided dives are strongly recommended.
›What marine life can I expect at the Yongala?
The wreck hosts a variety of reef and pelagic species, including fish schools, rays, and other creatures attracted to the structure. Exact species sightings vary, but the site is known for productive wildlife encounters.
›How do I access the SS Yongala and are there permits?
The wreck is located offshore and accessed via boat from Townsville or nearby ports. Diving is permitted within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area under management guidelines. Dive operators typically handle all logistics and compliance; confirm permit requirements with your chosen operator.
