Dive the Legendary SS Yongala Wreck from Townsville

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and dive Australia’s most iconic and intact shipwreck, the SS Yongala. Located off the coast of Townsville within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Yongala is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in the world—and for good reason.

Since its sinking in 1911, the 110-metre-long passenger ship has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, teeming with incredible marine life. While there’s no natural reef structure around it, the Yongala itself has become a magnet for biodiversity. On a single dive, you might encounter sea turtles, sea snakes, giant trevally, Queensland gropers, eagle rays, manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of tropical fish. During the cooler months, you might even spot humpback whales passing by.

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The wreck lies between 15 to 29 metres deep, making it suitable for Advanced Open Water divers, though Open Water certified divers with six or more dives can explore the site when accompanied by a professional dive guide (approx. $25 extra). It’s also a perfect opportunity to tick off your Deep and Wreck Dive specialties as part of your Advanced certification.

Liveaboard trips and day tours depart regularly from Townsville and offer a chance to dive this remote site, which remained untouched until its discovery in 1958. Protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act, the SS Yongala is now a living time capsule, covered in colourful corals and bursting with marine life—an experience that no serious diver should miss.

This is a bucket-list dive that promises history, mystery, and extraordinary underwater encounters all in one. Dive in and witness the magic of the Yongala for yourself.

You can visit the Yongala on a Day Trip or a Liveaboard, your choice!

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Departures: Saturday

Departure Time: 7.00am Townsville

Departure Time: 7.30am Magnetic Island

Highlights

• 2 great dives on the Yongala Wreck
• Rated in Top 10 Wreck Dives in the world
• BIG marine life and experience

Great Barrier Reef and Yongala Liveaboard

Those with more time on their hands, and who want to experience more of the Great Barrier Reef and Yongala have the option of boarding Seaesta for a 3 Night liveaboard adventure!

Departures: Saturday

Townsville Boarding: 7:00am at the Mariners Drive Breakwater, Marina (Past G Finger)

Magnetic Island Boarding: 7:50am at the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal.

Sample Yongala Dive Day Trip Schedule
07:00 Townsville passengers meet at the Townsville Breakwater Marina,
located on the fuelling wharf at the end of Mariners Drive
07:25 Depart Townsville
07:50 Magnetic Island passengers board from Nelly Bay ferry terminal
09:00 Morning tea *BYO
09:50 Yongala Wreck site briefings
10:20 Guided divers brief
11:00 Arrive at the Yongala Wreck Site
11:15 Dive 1
12:15 Tropical lunch
13:00 Dive 2
14:00 Depart site for Nelly Bay
15:00 Afternoon Tea
16:50 Arrive and disembark passengers at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island
17:10 Arrive and disembark at Townsville Breakwater Marina

Please note that the above schedule is as a guide only, actual times on the day may vary.

Water, Cordial, Coffee, Tea is all provided throughout the trip