Ex-HMAS Hobart (Fleurieu Artificial Reef) – Sanctuary Zone
Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone, Encounter Marine Park: the former Adams-class destroyer Hobart (D39) was scuttled in Yankalilla Bay in November 2002 and is a declared historic shipwreck (Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981); removing anything is prohibited, and marine life is fully protected. It lies in open, exposed water 4.2 nautical miles from the Marina St Vincent ramp at Wirrina Cove, with the top of the structure about 5 m down and a maximum depth of about 30 m. Open Water divers may dive the outside to 18 m and Advanced to 30 m; internal penetration needs wreck or technical training. Strong tidal currents are common, so plan for slack water. Recreational divers do not need a permit; commercial tours need a marine park permit.
Facts
- Region: Southern Australia – South Australia, Victoria & Tasmania
- Area: South Australia – Gulf St Vincent (Fleurieu, Adelaide)
- Depth: 5–30 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: wreck, boat
- Coordinates: -35.481, 138.157222
- Highlights: guided-missile destroyer, artificial reef, fully protected marine life, penetration (wreck-trained)
- Permit: No permit for recreational divers (NPWS code of conduct 2025). Commercial dive tours need a marine park commercial tour operator permit. Older material mentions a Historic Shipwrecks Act protected zone: confirm with the SA Department for Environment and Water.
- Tips: Boat dive only (charter or own vessel); 0.5 nm Restricted Area: 4 knots, moor only at the permanent buoys (red buoys for boats, white lines for divers). Fly the dive flag. Diving Emergency Service 1800 088 200; nearest chamber Royal Adelaide Hospital. Site manager: NPWS South Australia (Duty Officer 0427 556 676).