Dive Site: SS Yongala

About SS Yongala

The SS Yongala, resting off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is renowned globally as a top wreck dive destination. This 110-meter steel passenger and freight steamer tragically sank in 1911 during a cyclone, claiming all 124 lives aboard. Today, the wreck is a protected historic site and a vibrant artificial reef, drawing divers to its unique blend of history and exceptional marine biodiversity. It was discovered in 1958, nearly fifty years after its sinking, and lies on a sandy seabed away from natural reef structures, making it a powerful magnet for marine life. The wreck lies on its starboard side, with depths ranging from 15 meters at its shallowest point to 29-33 meters on the sandy bottom. The structure remains remarkably intact, allowing divers to identify features like masts, winches, bollards, and even toilets, all now encrusted with dazzling corals, sponges, and sea fans. This transformation into a living reef provides shelter and sustenance for a colossal array of species, from tiny reef fish to large pelagics. Marine life at the SS Yongala is exceptionally rich, attracting giant groupers, eagle rays, manta rays, sea turtles, sea snakes, barracudas, and various sharks, including rare bull and tiger sharks. During the cooler months, from June to November, divers might even encounter Minke or humpback whales. The site's exposed location in open water means currents can be strong, and conditions vary, making it a dive best suited for advanced and experienced divers. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, influenced by tides and seasons. Access to the SS Yongala is primarily from Townsville or Ayr, with fast boat transfers bringing divers to this legendary site. Due to its status as a historic shipwreck and memorial, penetration inside the wreck is strictly prohibited to preserve its integrity and respect the lost souls. Each dive offers a different experience, as the dynamic marine environment and varying conditions e

Dive site facts: SS Yongala

Depth

15–33 m

Typical dive

20–30 m

Current

Strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

22–31°C

Entry

Live boat / negative entry

Level

Advanced divers

Dive type

Wreck, biodiversity, pelagic

Night dive

Not specified

Region / port

Townsville, Queensland

Coordinates

-19.3058, 147.6225

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the SS Yongala are often strong, making this a dive site reserved for experienced divers. Conditions can change rapidly, and adverse weather can prevent diving altogether, even after arriving at the site. Diving is typically recommended during the turn of the tide to minimize current strength and improve control. Divers should be proficient in negative entries and drift diving techniques, as surface conditions can also be rough, necessitating careful entry and exit procedures. While underwater, currents can create dynamic encounters with schooling fish and pelagic species attracted to the nutrient-rich flow. Visibility can range from 10 to 30 meters, often influenced by tidal movements and plankton blooms.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant Queensland Grouper

common

Eagle Ray

common

Marble Ray

occasional

Manta Ray

April–October · occasional

Sea Turtle

common

Sea Snake

common

Barracuda

common

Giant Trevally

common

Bull Shark

occasional

Tiger Shark

occasional

Humpback Whale

July–September · rare

Smalleye Stingray

rare

Maori Wrasse

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive on the SS Yongala typically begins with a negative entry due to potentially strong currents and surface chop. You'll descend directly onto the wreck, which lies on its starboard side. The top of the wreck starts at around 15 meters, gradually sloping down to the sandy bottom at 29-33 meters. A common route involves exploring the stern section first, circling around the massive rudder and propeller area. You'll then progress along the length of the 110-meter vessel, observing the cargo holds, engine room structures, and the bow, all teeming with marine life and encrusted with corals. Maintain careful buoyancy and avoid penetrating the wreck, as this is prohibited. The dive typically lasts 50-60 minutes, with the turnaround point determined by gas consumption and bottom time. Your safety stop will be conducted in the blue, often using a descent line or buoyed safety stop line, maintaining a watchful eye for passing pelagics.

Underwater photography

The SS Yongala offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, given its status as a massive wreck covered in life. For wide-angle, a fisheye lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the entire wreck and the enormous schools of fish, such as barracudas and trevally, that swirl around it. When conditions allow for better visibility, you can frame the wreck against the blue water, highlighting its dramatic silhouette. Strobes are crucial to bring out the vibrant colors of the hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges that encrust every surface. For macro, focus on the intricate details of the smaller reef fish, nudibranchs, and moray eels residing in the wreck's crevices. Due to often strong currents, excellent buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the wreck or marine life. Be mindful of subject etiquette, especially around the large, often curious residents like the giant groupers and sea snakes; give them space and observe them respectfully.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Lady Elliot Island - Lighthouse Bommies

  Lighthouse Bommies, situated just off the western side of Lady Elliot Island, is a renowned dive site on the Southern Great Barrier Reef…

• Heron Island - Heron Bommie

  Heron Bommie stands as the quintessential dive experience of Heron Island, deeply embedded within the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

• Cod Hole

  Cod Hole is a renowned dive site located at the northern end of Ribbon Reef #10, approximately 240 kilometers north of Cairns, Australia…

• Osprey Reef - North Horn

  Osprey Reef's North Horn is a world-renowned dive site in the Coral Sea, located about 350 kilometers offshore from Queensland, Australia…

Getting there & logistics

The primary gateways for diving the SS Yongala are Townsville and Ayr, both located in Queensland, Australia. From Townsville, it's approximately a 3-hour fast boat journey, covering about 89 km (46 nautical miles). From Ayr, especially Alva Beach, transfers can be as quick as 30 minutes. Divers typically join day trips or multi-day liveaboard excursions that combine the Yongala with other Great Barrier Reef sites. The closest major airport is Townsville Airport (TSV), offering connections to major Australian cities. No specific permits beyond dive certification are typically mentioned, but divers should ensure they book with reputable operators who handle all site access requirements. Trips are often organized as 3-day reef/wreck tours, dedicating a day and a half to the Yongala itself.

Safety & environment

Diving the SS Yongala requires a high level of preparedness and adherence to safety protocols. The site is in open water, exposed to weather, and can experience strong currents, necessitating advanced dive certification and significant experience. Divers must be proficient in negative entries and comfortable with variable surface conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Townsville. Evacuation in case of an emergency can be complex and time-consuming due to the site's distance from shore, highlighting the importance of robust dive insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Penetration of the wreck is strictly prohibited to prevent structural damage and out of respect for its historical significance as a memorial site. Always dive with a reliable operator, ensure your personal equipment is in excellent condition, and carry essential safety gear such as a dive computer, surface marker buoy, and alternate air source. Pre-dive briefings emphasize local conditions and emergency procedures.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

SS Yongala FAQ

Liveaboards diving SS Yongala

These liveaboards may visit SS Yongala on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$404/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day