Ex-HMAS Canberra (Ex-HMAS Canberra Recreation Reserve – book mooring/tour)
Access-controlled dive site (Ex-HMAS Canberra Recreation Reserve): the 138 m guided-missile frigate Canberra (FFG 02) was scuttled in October 2009 off Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove in Bass Strait, in about 28 m of water, and divers can explore much of the vessel including flight decks, bridge, engine rooms, galley and accommodation. Parks Victoria says divers must be appropriately trained, certified and experienced in Victorian conditions (minimum AS4005.1 certification); the access is restricted to diving and snorkelling, and the dive site is marked by special-mark and mooring buoys. It can be surgy and dangerous, and shifting sand has been reported to affect the wreck; check Parks Victoria for current status and sharp edges after storms.
Facts
- Region: Southern Australia – South Australia, Victoria & Tasmania
- Area: Port Phillip Bay & Bass Strait
- Depth: 12–30 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wreck, boat
- Coordinates: -38.293197, 144.53759 (approximate)
- Highlights: FFG-7 frigate, flight deck, bridge, engine rooms, galley, wrasse, nudibranchs, boarfish
- Permit: Divers must book a dive with a licensed tour operator or follow Parks Victoria's access rules for the reserve (restricted opening hours); the minimum certification is AS4005.1.
- Issuer / contact: Parks Victoria Information Centre
- Phone: 13 1963
- Website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/ex-hmas-canberra-recreation-reserve
- Tips: Book a licensed tour operator or a 2-hour slot on the public mooring via Parks Victoria (13 1963). Boat departs about 25 minutes from Queenscliff or Portsea; the Heads passage can be rough. Light northerly winds are best. Position from the Parks Victoria page's map link (an older 2014 notice lists 38°18.020'S 144°32.587'E), so treat as approximate.