#1
Toni Cheatle
2009-02-02
No better place to go diving than queenlsand!
Dive the SS Yongala, Great Barrier Reef
In 1911 the coastal steamship SS Yongala went down in a cyclone 90km southeast of Townsville near Cape Bowling Green, with the loss of all 121 passengers and crew. Today it is home to one of the world’s greatest dives.
Resting on a sandy seabed this 110m wreck lies in 15-30m of water and attracts a prolific variety of marine life. On your descent you will witness what makes this location so famous. Eagle rays, sea snakes, queenfish, turtles, cobia, giant Queensland gropers, batfish and schools of trevally are just a few of the things you will see. There is also a huge diversity of hard and soft corals growing on the skeleton of this elegant, well-preserved ship. During the winter months you may even hear the calls of the migrating whales.
This dive is definitely a showcase of our fish species in the Australian Coral Sea but because of the strong currents common in this area, it is best left to advanced divers.
Getting there:
The Yongala rests within the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and can be accessed by day trip from Townsville or Magnetic Island with local diving companies.
By train:
Catch The Sunlander or Tilt Train to Ayr. The Yongala Wreck dive departs from Alva Beach, 15 minutes drive from Ayr. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.
Further information:
Adrenalin Dive offers a 2dive daytrip departing Townsville and Magnetic Island
Ph 07 4724 0600
Voters Comments
Toni Cheatle
#2
Anne McKenzie
2009-01-30
My one and only dive was in the Whitsundays - I would love to do more
#3
Tim Stubbs
2009-01-27
I have dreamed about doing this dive ever since I read about it in Becca Saunder's Top Dive Sites of Australia. It lived up to all my expectations
#4
Eleanor Downes
2009-01-19
As a world reknown divesite for its exceptional and unique quality, this wreck dive is a must do for any serious diver - a true jewel in the crown of Queensland diving destinations!
#5
mike assfalg
2009-01-19
THIS IS STILL A DIVE I HAVE TO DO I HAVE TRIED A FEW TIMES TO GET THERE. WILL GET THERE SOON. BEEN DIVING BETTER THAN 25 YEARS
#6
martin anderson
2009-01-14
cant wait to do this dive
#7
W Stevens
2009-01-14
Another great activity that North Qld has to offer. If the reef isn't enough then try the wrecks.
#8
S Stevens
2009-01-14
the wrecks at Moreton Island are another great place to dive / snorkel.
#9
paul djordjevic
2009-01-13
one of the best dives in the world, absolutely amazing. It's quicker to go from Alva Beach (via Ayr) though, it only takes 1/2 hour rather than 3 plus.
#10
Darren Kennedy
2009-01-12
This dive is different to the rest of the Great Barrier Reef - a bit deeper and with more current than average, but brilliant. It's astonishing being on an "island" crawling with sea life on an otherwise flat, featureless seabed.