The Alberta is a 110-metre steamship that ran aground on a shallow reef off Kingscliff on the northern NSW coast on 19 October 1890, while carrying coal from Asia to Melbourne. Lying approximately 5.5 nautical miles south of the Tweed River bar, the wreck sits in depths ranging from 11 to 30 metres, making it an exciting boat-accessed snorkel and dive site. The wreck structure is encrusted with marine growth and attracts schools of fish, offering a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history beneath the swell-prone North Coast waters.
Alberta Wreck
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 5.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Alberta Wreck has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth danger
The wreck sits at 11-30 metres depth, well beyond typical snorkeling depth — only advanced free-divers or scuba divers should attempt.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Depth
The wreck sits at 11-30 metres depth, well beyond typical snorkeling depth — only advanced free-divers or scuba divers should attempt.
Moderate risk: Ocean Swell
The wreck lies exposed to open ocean swell; calm weather is essential for safe snorkeling or diving.
Moderate risk: Strong Currents
Tidal currents and ocean currents can be strong around the wreck site, particularly near the Tweed bar area.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Located 5.5 nm offshore, the site is accessed by boat and vessel traffic in the area presents a hazard.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The wreck lies approximately 5.5 nautical miles south of the Tweed River bar, off Kingscliff in northern NSW. Boat access only — launch from the Tweed River or nearby boat ramps in the Kingscliff/Cabarita Beach area.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at boat ramp facilities in Kingscliff (e.g., Kingscliff boat ramp on Marine Parade) or Cabarita Beach.
parkingboat_ramp
No specific fee for the wreck site; standard NSW boat ramp fees may apply.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports