Dive into History: The Legendary S.S. Yongala Wreck

Beneath the turquoise waves of the Great Barrier Reef lies one of the world’s most fascinating dive sites – the SS Yongala. This historic wreck, steeped in mystery and marine life, offers divers an unforgettable experience combining history, adventure, and nature at its most extraordinary.

History of the S.S. Yongala

The S.S. Yongala, a luxury passenger and freight steamer, met her untimely fate on a fateful night in March 1911. Caught in a cyclone while en route from Melbourne to Cairns, the vessel tragically sank without warning or survivors. It remained lost for nearly 50 years until its discovery in 1958, now lying 30 metres beneath the surface as a thriving artificial reef.

Today, the S.S. Yongala is both a maritime time capsule and a living coral garden. Declared a protected historic shipwreck, it’s one of the Great Barrier Reef’s crown jewels for experienced divers.

A Living Reef Paradise

While the S.S. Yongala’s story is rooted in history, its modern-day allure lies in its vibrant marine life. This wreck teems with biodiversity, including enormous Queensland groupers, sea turtles, majestic manta rays, and schools of barracuda and trevally.

The site is home to flourishing hard and soft corals that have transformed the wreck into a thriving underwater metropolis, creating a colourful contrast against the ship’s silhouette. For macro lovers, nudibranchs and critters hide in crevices, while pelagic fish circle above in mesmerising formations.

What Makes the Yongala a Bucket-List Dive?
  • Epic Scale and Atmosphere: At 109 metres long, the Yongala’s structure is vast and awe-inspiring, giving you a real sense of the ship’s history as you explore.
  • Marine Encounters: The concentration of marine life around the wreck is unmatched. Every dive feels like an underwater safari.
  • Challenging and Rewarding: The Yongala dive site demands respect due to its depth and occasional currents, but the reward is an experience unlike any other. It’s perfect for advanced divers seeking something truly special.
Dive with Us

Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive offers guided trips to the Yongala Wreck, ensuring you experience this iconic site safely and with expert knowledge. With our experienced dive crew and high-quality equipment, you’ll explore the wreck while learning about its incredible history and ecological importance.

Are you ready to dive into one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most extraordinary experiences? Join us at the S.S. Yongala – where history meets the magic of the ocean.