SS Yongala – protected historic wreck (no penetration)
SS Yongala is a protected historic shipwreck: the wreck and all seabed within 797 m are a protected zone, anchoring is forbidden and penetration of the wreck is prohibited. The 110 m steamer sank in a cyclone in 1911 and lies listing about 60–70 degrees to starboard, 89 km south-east of Townsville and 22 km off Cape Bowling Green; the upper parts sit at about 15–16 m and the seabed at about 30 m. It is covered in coral and hosts large schools of fish, giant trevally, humphead wrasse, turtles and sea snakes; more than 10,000 divers visit each year. Trips run from Alva Beach (about 30 min by boat) and Townsville.
Facts
- Region: Great Barrier Reef South – Yongala to Bundaberg
- Area: Townsville & Yongala
- Depth: 15–30 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wreck
- Coordinates: -19.30444, 147.62528
- Highlights: wreck, giant trevally, humphead wrasse, sea snakes, turtles, bull sharks, manta
- Permit: Protected zone under the Commonwealth underwater cultural heritage law (797 m radius). Recreational diving is done with licensed operators who use the installed moorings; no anchoring, no penetration, no removal. Permits from GBRMPA are for heritage/research access. Check current rules with the operator or GBRMPA.
- Issuer / contact: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
- Tips: Operators require Advanced Open Water (or in progress), 10+ dives in the last 12 months, age 15+. Penetration is strictly prohibited (operator warns of fines up to AUD 5,000). Strong surface and depth currents and low visibility are possible; avoid touching the wreck.