Diving day trip to the S.S. Yongala wreck

Dive into one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, teeming with extraordinary marine life and history. The S.S. Yongala is a bucket-list dive for those with advanced open water training or higher, offering an unforgettable experience for experienced divers.

The wreck begins 15 metre below the surface and extends to 29 metres. Protected under the Historic Shipwreck Act (1976), the artefacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are second to none, Red Bull names Yongala the best wreck for sea life.

Diving Day trips to S.S. Yongala wreck suited to:

  • Certified experienced divers.
  • Advanced Open Water Diver Training.

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Your S.S. Yongala dive day trip includes
  • Full day trip including 2 certified dives on the spectacular S.S. Yongala wreck.
  • Full dive gear.
  • Morning tea, buffet-style lunch and afternoon tea.
  • Iced water, cordial, tea and coffee throughout the day.
  • Mooring fees.
  • EMC’s (Environmental Management Charges).
  • Historical site briefing to enhance your experience.
  • Environmental education.
  • Experienced, professional, fun and safe crew with a passion for the marine environment.
  • Experience the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
When to do a day trip

Day Trips to the Great Barrier Reef depart on:

  • Saturdays

Please check our calendar for availability.

Where to board

You can board from: 

  • Townsville at the Fuel Wharf, Mariners Drive, Breakwater Marina.
  • Magnetic Island at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

Due to our small numbers of passengers it is advised to book early.

Diving Prices
  • $489 Certified diver with full equipment hire
  • $434 Certified diver needing tanks and weights only – use code OWNGEARDSCT on check out. 

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Optional extras
  • $20 per guided dive (compulsory with fewer than 15 dives logged)
  • $35 per PADI Training Dive (PADI Adventure Dive DEEP compulsory for Open Water Divers with no deep dive experience)
  • $70 for two Enriched Air Nitrox fills

Sample itinerary

7am Townsville passengers meet at Breakwater Marina at the fuelling wharf at the end of Mariners Drive
7.25am Depart Townsville
7.50am Magnetic Island passengers board from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal
9am Morning tea
9.50am Yongala wreck site briefings
10.20am Guided divers brief
11am Arrive at the Yongala wreck site
11.15am Dive 1 / Snorkel 1
12.15pm Lunch
1pm Dive 2 / Snorkel 2
2pm Depart site for Nelly Bay
3pm Afternoon tea
4.50pm Arrive and disembark passengers at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
5.10pm Arrive and disembark at Townsville Breakwater

Please note that the above schedule is as a guide only, actual times on the day may vary. Read our terms and conditions.

Sample menu

  • Morning tea: Fruit platter and assorted biscuits
  • Lunch: Buffet-style lunch spread with chicken, ham, salami, cheese, salads, assorted condiments, bread, peanut butter and vegemite
  • Afternoon tea: Fruit platter, cheese, crackers and assorted biscuits
  • All day: Tea, coffee, cordial and chilled water

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.

FAQs

  1. Why is the S.S. Yongala wreck such a popular dive site?
    The Yongala is one of the most famous and sought-after dive sites in Australia, and even the world known for its pristine condition, abundant marine life, and historical significance. With unique structure, vibrant coral, and an array of sea life, it’s an unforgettable dive experience.
  2. What level of certification do I need to dive the S.S. Yongala?
    You need to be at least an Advanced Open Water diver or have an Open Water certification with proof of deep diving experience. We do offer a deep dive experience at an extra cost for those Open Waters Divers wanting to explore the wreck below their experience level. If you are not sure about your qualifications, our team are happy to advise you.
  3. Can I do an introductory dive at the S.S. Yongala?
    Unfortunately, the depth and conditions of the Yongala make it unsuitable for introductory dives. However, we offer excellent dive sites like the Museum of Underwater Art on the Great Barrier Reef for beginners if you are new to diving.
  4. How deep is the S.S. Yongala wreck?
    The wreck sits at a depth of approximately 30 meters, with the top of the wreck around 16 meters. Divers can explore the whole wreck within the time of two dives. 
  5. How long is the dive at the S.S. Yongala?
    The dive typically lasts around 45 minutes, depending on your experience level, air consumption, and dive conditions.
  6. What should I bring for the S.S. Yongala dive trip?
    We provide all the diving equipment you need, but you will need to bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen (such as SunButter, People4Ocean, or We Are Feel Good Inc.), and a camera if you want to capture the wreck and marine life.