The SS Bombo was a 640-ton steamer that sank off the coast near Kiama, south of Sydney, on 22 February 1949 while carrying a cargo of blue metal aggregate from Kiama to Sydney. Lying undiscovered until 1978, this intact wreck now rests on a sandy seabed and has become a premier dive and snorkel site for experienced water-goers. Its relatively intact structure — including the hull, propeller, and deck features — attracts schools of fish and provides a dramatic underwater encounter. Access is typically via boat charter from Kiama or Port Kembla, and conditions can be challenging with currents and limited visibility.
SS Bombo wreck
AdvancedGO
GO
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 7.3 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
The wreck sits in open ocean where southerly swells and changing tides can create strong, unpredictable currents.
Moderate risk: Depth and decompression
The wreck lies at significant depth requiring proper dive planning, experience, and caution to avoid decompression sickness.
Low risk: Low visibility
Visibility can be poor, especially after rough weather or during plankton blooms, reducing situational awareness.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Located offshore in a shipping lane area, vessel traffic poses a hazard for those surfacing.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Boat
Entry
The SS Bombo wreck is located offshore near Kiama, roughly 90 km south of Sydney. Access is by boat charter only — several dive operators in the Kiama and Port Kembla area offer trips to the wreck. The closest major town is Kiama, reachable via the M1 Princes Motorway.
Parking & facilities
Street parking available near Kiama harbour. Some charter operators may have designated parking at their launch points.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee; charter costs vary depending on operator, typically $100–$180 per person for a 2-tank dive trip.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near New South Wales
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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