The SS Auckland is a steamship wrecked on Beware Reef in 1871, lying within the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary off Cape Conran in eastern Gippsland. This isolated reef rises abruptly from the sandy seafloor and is covered in colourful marine growth — from encrusting pink coralline algae to dense bull kelp forests. The wreck remnants sit alongside those of the Ridge Park and Albert San, creating a remarkable underwater mosaic of iron relics and marine life. The exposed reef top is a haul-out spot for curious Australian fur seals. Due to its exposed offshore position, strong currents, and boat-only access, this site is for experienced snorkelers and divers only.
SS Auckland (shipwreck)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 8.1 sWind Speed 5.7 knPrecipitation 43 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
SS Auckland (shipwreck) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Exposed offshore location danger
Beware Reef is fully exposed to all wind directions; safe access only in calm conditions by experienced boat operators.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Exposed offshore location
Beware Reef is fully exposed to all wind directions; safe access only in calm conditions by experienced boat operators.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Convergence of warm eastern Australian current and cool westerly Bass Strait current creates unpredictable and strong water movement around the reef.
Moderate risk: Remote access + boat ramp exposure
The nearest boat ramp at West Cape, Cape Conran is exposed to south-westerly winds; no shore entry possible. Limited emergency services nearby.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean waters can be very cold year-round; waters warm slightly in summer but remain cool enough to risk hypothermia without adequate exposure protection.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Beware Reef is located 5 km southeast of Cape Conran, about 3 km offshore from the Yeerung River mouth. The closest boat ramp is at West Cape, Cape Conran, 18 km east of Marlo township. The ramp is exposed to south-westerly winds. Access to the reef itself requires a short boat trip and is only possible in calm weather.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Cape Conran boat ramp area.
parkingboat_ramp
No entry fee for the marine sanctuary. Boat ramp is free public access.
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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