The Ardrossan Barge Wreck lies off the coast of Ardrossan on Yorke Peninsula's northeast shore, in approximately 18 metres of water near the historic Zanoni shipwreck. A barge was intentionally sunk in 1984 roughly one nautical mile south of the Zanoni, creating an artificial reef that attracts schools of fish, crabs, and colourful sponge growth. The site is surrounded by striking red clay cliffs and is easily accessible from Adelaide — just 90 minutes' drive. Snorkelers and divers can explore the submerged barge structure, which has become a thriving marine habitat on the otherwise barren seabed.
Ardrossan Barge Wreck
IntermediateGO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.3 sWind Speed 8.9 knPrecipitation 15 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
© MattinbgnDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Ardrossan Barge Wreck has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth — 18 metres danger
The wreck sits at 18 m depth, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort at depth; not suitable for novice snorkelers.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Depth — 18 metres
The wreck sits at 18 m depth, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort at depth; not suitable for novice snorkelers.
Moderate risk: Protected Zone restrictions
The nearby Zanoni has a 550 m protected zone — permits are required and unauthorized boat entry is prohibited.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The wreck is offshore and accessed by boat; be aware of other vessels in the area, particularly near the boat ramp and jetty.
Low risk: Cold water & limited visibility
South Australian waters can be cold (13–18 °C) with variable visibility; a wetsuit is essential.
Low risk: Tidal current at high tide
Current can develop near the jetty pylons at high tide; best snorkelled at the top of the tide or at low tide to avoid movement.
Low risk: Easterly winds
Winds from the east will spoil conditions entirely; southerly winds are also poor. Check forecast before visiting.
Low risk: Slippery jetty stairs
The access stairs can be slippery with marine growth and wet conditions; take care when entering and exiting the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
From Adelaide, drive ~90 minutes north-west via the Augusta Highway and Yorke Highway to Ardrossan. The barge wreck is offshore, about 15 km south-east of Ardrossan. Boat launch from the Ardrossan Boat Ramp at 28 Rowe Terrace, on the southern edge of town.
Parking & facilities
Parking available near the Ardrossan Boat Ramp at 28 Rowe Terrace.
parkingboat_ramp
Boat ramp launch fees apply — use the ticket machine at the ramp prior to launch.
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 photos
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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