SS Yongala Wreck
Dive into Australia's most epic wreck, the SS Yongala, a thriving artificial reef teeming with sharks, turtles, and countless fish.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Marine life is abundant
SS Yongala Wreck
Best Time
Marine life is abundant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into Australia's most epic wreck, the SS Yongala, a thriving artificial reef teeming with sharks, turtles, and countless fish.
"The SS Yongala wreck is absolutely world class! You NEVER know what you are going to see next!"
Choose the Right Operator
Operators from Alva Beach offer shorter boat rides (30 mins) compared to Townsville (3 hours). Yongala Dive is highly recommended.
Be Ready for Depth
It's a 30m dive. Ensure you're comfortable with depth and potential currents.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thriving Marine Ecosystem
SS Yongala Wreck
Witness an astonishing array of marine life, from turtles and rays to sharks and schooling fish, all calling the wreck home.
Iconic Shipwreck Structure
SS Yongala Wreck
Explore the historic 110-meter long passenger ship, now a vibrant artificial reef teeming with life and history.
Encounter Bull Sharks
SS Yongala Wreck
Keep an eye out for the resident bull sharks, often seen calmly swimming around the wreck, a thrilling sight for divers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Dive in Advance
Prepare for Depth and Currents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose the Right Operator
Operators from Alva Beach offer shorter boat rides (30 mins) compared to Townsville (3 hours). Yongala Dive is highly recommended.
Be Ready for Depth
It's a 30m dive. Ensure you're comfortable with depth and potential currents.
Photography Paradise
Bring your underwater camera! The wreck is a dream for photographers with incredible visibility and diverse subjects. 
Listen for Whales
During migration season, you might hear whales singing on your boat trip back.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose the Right Operator
Operators from Alva Beach offer shorter boat rides (30 mins) compared to Townsville (3 hours). Yongala Dive is highly recommended.
Be Ready for Depth
It's a 30m dive. Ensure you're comfortable with depth and potential currents.
Photography Paradise
Bring your underwater camera! The wreck is a dream for photographers with incredible visibility and diverse subjects.
Listen for Whales
During migration season, you might hear whales singing on your boat trip back.
Respect the Marine Life
The wreck is a protected marine park. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid touching anything.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The SS Yongala Wreck is overwhelmingly praised as a world-class dive site, consistently rated among the best globally. Divers are awestruck by the sheer abundance and diversity of marine life, from tiny critters to large pelagics and sharks. While the boat trip can be long for some, the underwater experience is universally described as outstanding and well worth the journey.
"Best dive to date, absolutely outstanding. Your thinking the whole time your heading out I hope this is worth the boat ride. BAM you hit the water and go under and are instantly in ore of the enormous variety of sea life. From little critters up to groper bigger then cars 🤙"
Wade Cull
"This is my first time to this location and would certainly come back.
Some information about the dive site.
The passenger ship SS Yongala sank off Cape Bowling Green, Queensland, Australia on 23 March 1911. En route from Melbourne to Cairns she steamed into a cyclone and sank south of Townsville.
This is a 30m dive site, the length of the ship is about 110m.
With lots of marine life to see this is an amazing place to visit. On my visit here I saw some ray’s, sea snakes, turtles and lots of huge fish."
Nazeem Mungur
"The SS Yongala wreck is absolutely world class! You NEVER know what you are going to see next! I have done close to 100 dives now on the wreck and always find something new! By far the best operator to dive it with is Yongala Dive out of Alva Beach. With only a 30 minute boat ride it is easier and quicker than doing a trip with an operator from Townsville as they have to steam 3 hours one way to get to the wreck. Yongala Dive are excellent and the staff are brilliant. Definitely a must do dive for anyone as it is the only Australian dive site to consistently rate in the top 10 dives in the world!"
John Gransbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The SS Yongala Wreck is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Most divers access it via boat tours. Operators like Yongala Dive depart from Alva Beach, offering a shorter 30-minute boat ride to the wreck. Other operators depart from Townsville, which involves a longer 3-hour journey each way.
Alva Beach is the closest departure point for many dive operators, offering a quick trip to the wreck. Townsville is a larger city and also a common departure point, though the boat trip is significantly longer.
Yes, you absolutely need to book a tour with a certified dive operator. The wreck is offshore and requires a boat to reach. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
The boat ride can vary in length depending on your departure point. From Alva Beach, it's about 30 minutes. From Townsville, it's around 3 hours. During whale season, you might hear whales singing on the return trip.
The SS Yongala Wreck is primarily a dive site. While some boat tours might offer snorkeling opportunities, the main attraction and experience is for certified divers due to the depth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Dive tour prices vary depending on the operator and the number of dives included. Expect to pay several hundred Australian dollars for a day trip with two dives. It's best to check directly with operators for current pricing.
Typically, a day trip includes boat transport, two dives on the wreck, tanks, weights, and often lunch and refreshments. Gear rental is usually available for an additional fee.
Yes, you need to be a certified diver (at least Open Water) to dive the SS Yongala due to its depth of 30 meters. Some operators may offer advanced courses or referral dives.
Dive tours typically depart in the morning and return in the afternoon. Specific departure and return times vary by operator, so check your booking details.
Yes, most dive operators allow you to book your tours online through their websites. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel times.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The wreck is teeming with life! Expect to see turtles, various species of rays (eagle rays, stingrays), sharks (including bull sharks), sea snakes, large groupers, barracuda, and countless schools of reef fish. +2
The SS Yongala Wreck sits at a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters (100 feet). The top of the wreck is around 15 meters.
Visibility can vary, but it's often described as exceptional for the Yongala, sometimes exceeding 20 meters. This makes for fantastic underwater photography.
Currents can be present and sometimes strenuous, especially with the depth. Your dive guide will assess conditions and ensure a safe dive.
Due to the depth (30m) and potential currents, it's generally recommended for divers with some experience, at least Open Water certified. Advanced Open Water certification is ideal.
📸 📸 Photography
Bring a wide-angle lens for the wreck structure and marine life. Focus on capturing the scale of the wreck and the abundance of fish. Be patient and wait for subjects to come into frame.
A good underwater camera setup with strobes is recommended to capture the vibrant colors and details. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for the wreck and larger marine life.
Yes, bull sharks are often seen at the wreck and are a popular subject for photographers. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their space.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always follow your dive guide's instructions and be mindful of other divers. Avoid using flash directly on sensitive marine life if it causes distress.
The entire wreck structure is photogenic, but highlights include the bow, stern, the mast, and the incredible schools of fish that inhabit it. Also, look for turtles, rays, and sea snakes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some operators might have age restrictions for diving, so it's crucial to check with them directly. If your family includes certified divers, the SS Yongala is an unforgettable experience. For younger children or non-divers, consider activities in nearby Townsville, such as the Reef HQ Aquarium, which offers a glimpse into the Great Barrier Reef's biodiversity.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons when prices for accommodation and tours might be lower. While the boat trip from Alva Beach is shorter and potentially cheaper in terms of fuel, comparing prices from both Alva Beach and Townsville operators is wise. Pack your own snacks and water if not included in the tour to save on incidental costs.
💍 Couples & Adventure Seekers
+1Consider booking a private charter or a special dive trip if you're celebrating an occasion. The experience of swimming alongside sharks and turtles in such a vibrant ecosystem is truly exhilarating and perfect for those who love the ocean and a bit of adrenaline. The boat ride itself can also be romantic, especially if you catch a beautiful sunset or spot whales.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the SS Yongala
The wreck was finally discovered in 1958 by a local fisherman, but it wasn't until much later that its significance as a world-class dive site was recognized. Today, the SS Yongala is a protected Marine National Park, a testament to its historical importance and its role as a vital marine habitat. Artifacts from the wreck, such as portholes and safes, are preserved in museums, offering a tangible link to its past.
+1Diving the SS Yongala: An Underwater Wonderland
+1The marine life is the true star here. Expect to encounter three species of turtles, numerous rays (including majestic eagle rays and large stingrays), sea snakes coiled around the structure, and large pelagic fish like barracuda and groupers that dwarf divers. The wreck is also a regular haunt for sharks, including the impressive bull shark, which divers often report seeing calmly swimming by. The sheer density of fish life, with massive schools swirling around the wreck, creates a truly breathtaking spectacle.
While the dive offers incredible rewards, it's important to be prepared. The depth of 30 meters requires good air management and buoyancy control. Currents can also be a factor, making the dive more challenging but also contributing to the rich ecosystem by bringing nutrients. Visibility is often excellent, making it a photographer's dream.
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