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The S.S. Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911 with the loss of more than 120 souls. It was not until 1958 that the wreck was dived and due to its remote location it has remained mostly untouched. It is frequently rates as one of the 10 best dives in the world.

The wreck begins 14m below the surface and extends to a depth to 28m. As it is the only structure in the region, the marine life gathers at the wreck providing for an unforgettable diving experience.

However, the Yongala is most famous for the abundant marine life. It is often said that you will see more marine life on one dive on the Yongala Wreck than you will on half a dozen dives on the reef. Big schools of giant Trevally and barracuda cruise the wreck. Giant grouper, bull rays, schools of eagle rays, sea snakes, turtles, large coral trout, sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish patrol the length of the wreck. Hiding inside are large cod and schools of small fish and hawk fish sneak out and take a peek.
For the invertebrate enthusiast, the wreck is covered in hard and soft corals, anemones and a diverse range of crustaceans and molluscs including giant murex and nudibranchs. During the winter months, the calls of the migrating whales can be heard and occasionally seen around the wreck.

The Yongala Wreck is a ‘must do’ on your list of dive sites in Australia. Very few dive sites in the world have as much to offer as the Yongala and all who experience this incredible dive comment that it is one dive that will remain in their memories forever.

What to bring:

• Your diving certification and log book
• A small bag with towel, swimwear, sunscreen and hat
• Money to purchase souvenirs – T - shirts

NB : Can not dive the Yongala with less than 6 dives and you do not need to hold your Advanced certification

Day Trip passengers must phone Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive at 03.30pm on the afternoon prior to departure, to check the weather conditions, pick up time and location.  

Tour price:

Yongala Wreck: $220.00
Optional Extra Gear Hire: $40.00  
Optional Extra Guided Dives: $30.00 (Mandatory for divers less than 15 logged dives)
Optional Extra Wreck Tour: $10.00 per dive           
Optional Extra Adventure Dives: $25.00 per dive         

Extra Information: 

Protection Status

• Historical wreck protected under the Historical Shipwrecks Act.
• No penetration of the wreck whatsoever – persons found entering the wreck will face prosecution
• Marine park protected under the Marine Parks Act.
• No removing of any object
• Local self-regulating code of conduct restricting fish feeding on the wreck

Situation

• Lies 12 miles off Cape Bowling Green, 45 miles from Townsville
• Lying on starboard side on 55 degree list
• Length - approx 106m
• Width - 15m
• Height -10m
• Depth - Max 28m, Min 14m
  

Points of Interest
Bathtub, portholes, davits, toilets, engine room (boilers), first class dining room,  
bottles, name on bow, anchor and winch, masts

Marine Life

• Most variety of large marine life that we know of anywhere
• Greater diversity of corals than many coral reefs
• Marine life previously seen includes – Humpback whales, Whale Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, Qld Gropers (VW, Grumpy), Sea Snakes, Turtles (Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead), Marble Rays, Eagle Rays, Mantas, Pygmy Mantas, Guitarfish, Large School of Cobia (Kingfish), GT (Giant Trevally), Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Large School of Mangrove Jack, etc, etc

Do not harass, pick up, ride, or grab marine life
Take only pictures leave only bubbles
Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid touching wreck and destroying encrusted corals