The SS Yongala is one of the world's most legendary wreck dives, lying in 15–29 m of water on a sandy seabed in the central Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This 110 m steel steamship sank in a 1911 cyclone and has become an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Massive schools of trevally, barracuda, and jacks swirl around the superstructure, while giant groupers, sea snakes, sea turtles, and manta rays frequent the site. The wreck is encrusted in colourful corals, soft corals, and anemones, making it a magnet for both pelagics and reef dwellers. Strong currents and deep water demand respect, but the sheer density of life — from enormous Queensland groupers to clouds of fusiliers — is unmatched anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef.
Yongala Wreck
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.9 sWind Speed 8.2 knPrecipitation 0.1 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Yongala Wreck has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Wreck penetration hazards danger
Penetration of the wreck interior is hazardous due to entanglement risk, silt, and sharp metal, and should only be attempted by trained wreck divers.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Wreck penetration hazards
Penetration of the wreck interior is hazardous due to entanglement risk, silt, and sharp metal, and should only be attempted by trained wreck divers.
Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
The site can experience strong tidal currents that sweep divers along the wreck, requiring good buoyancy control and fitness.
Moderate risk: Depth (15–29 m)
The wreck sits on a sandy bottom between 15–29 m, with depths requiring careful decompression and air management.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Visibility can be affected by plankton blooms, sediment stirred by currents, and seasonal weather patterns.
Low risk: Open ocean swell and wind
The site is exposed to open ocean conditions; strong winds and sea swells can make boat access rough or dangerous, particularly during the Australian summer cyclone season (November to April).
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
The Yongala Wreck lies approximately 12 nautical miles east of Cape Bowling Green, about 89 km southeast of Townsville, Queensland. Charter boats depart from Townsville, Ayr, or Alva Beach.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at departure marinas in Townsville and Alva Beach.
Charter fees vary by operator; typically $200–$350 AUD per person for a day trip including gear.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 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