The Barge is a shallow WWII Landing Craft wreck resting on the sandy floor of the Great Barrier Reef, now encrusted with vibrant corals and sponges. This artificial reef lies in sheltered waters, making it an accessible snorkel and dive site where history meets teeming marine life. The rusting hull of the landing craft provides a dramatic backdrop for snorkelers, with schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks often spotted cruising around the wreck structure. Its relatively shallow depth (around 10–15m) and calm conditions make it a unique window into both wartime history and reef ecology.
The Barge (WWII Landing Craft Wreck)
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.2 sWind Speed 8.6 knPrecipitation 3.2 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Tidal Currents
Moderate currents can run through the channel where the wreck sits, particularly on outgoing tides.
Low risk: Sharp Wreckage
Sharp metal and protruding sections of the wreck structure can cause cuts if touched.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Boat traffic in the area as this is a popular tour operator destination.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Accessible by boat tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Many operators include this wreck site on their reef itineraries. Typically a 45-90 minute boat ride from the mainland.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Cairns Marina and Port Douglas marinas where tour boats depart.
toiletsparking
Part of a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park tour; fees vary by operator (typically AUD $150-250 per person for a full-day reef trip).
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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