SS YONGALA (1911)
Townsville/Ayr, Queensland
Passenger steamship
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1903, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Sank:
1911, capsized in cyclone
Length:
107 metres (350’)
Beam:
13.8 metres (45’)
Displacement:
3664 tons
Speed:
16 knots
Crew:
73
Passengers:
49 (Could carry 110 in 1st Class & 130 in 2nd Class)
WARNING: Wrecks should not be penetrated without proper training & equipment!
NOTE: All wrecks and related artifacts older than 75 years in Australian waters are protected by the Australian Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. Nothing can be taken!
INFORMATION
SS Yongala was built for the Adelaide Steamship Company was launched in 1903 and capsized in a cyclone on her ninety-ninth voyage while sailing from Melbourne to Cairns.
She now lies covered in marine life on a sandy bottom listing to starboard (to the right) in a depth of around 30 metres (100’).
Although much of the superstructure has collapsed over the years, the now coral encrusted wreck offers plenty to see.
The rudder at the stern is obvious, as are the anchor winch and anchors on the bow.
There are plenty of portholes and many deck openings including the engine room and the forward cargo holds. A careful look inside will also reveal porcelain toilets.
In an effort to prevent further deterioration due to divers exhaust bubbles, divers are not allowed to penetrate the hull.
The wreck is home to thousands of fish including enormous Queensland groper often located at the stern.
Yongala is regarded by many as the best wreck dive in the world!
Yongala is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to Paul Crocombe from Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver (Supervised Open Water Diver)
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (Liveaboard or day trips)
Depth:
16 – 30 metres (50-100’)
Visibility:
8 – 25 metres (25-80’)
Water temperature:
22 – 29°C (72-84°F)
Seasonal:
No, but August & September best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Museum of Underwater Art & Central Great Barrier Reef.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
ADRENALIN SNORKEL & DIVE
2/39 Plume Street
South Townsville QLD 4810
+61 (7) 4724 0600
info@adrenalindive.com.au
www.adrenalindive.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: $50 Dive Voucher
To redeem: Email info@adrenalindive.com.au & quote 50 Great Dives
YONGALA DIVE
36 Braby Street
Alva QLD 4807
+61 (7) 4783 1519
info@yongaladive.com.au
www.yongaladive.com.au
SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
319 Draper Street
Parramatta Park QLD 4870
+61 (7) 4047 9150
info@spiritoffreedom.com.au
www.spiritoffreedom.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: One free Spirit of Freedom hoodie, valued $110
To redeem: Email SOF Booking Number to info@spiritoffreedom.com.au & quote 50 Great Dives
OTHER SERVICES
Need somewhere to eat, drink & stay?
AQUARIUS ON THE BEACH TOWNSVILLE
75 The Strand
Townsville QLD 4810
+ 61 (7) 4422 0838
res@aquariusonthebeach.com.au
www.aquariusonthebeach.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Townsville
Nearest Regional City:
Not applicable
Nearest Town:
Ayr
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Cairns
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Townsville
Road:
Cairns to Townsville:
4 hours (350 km/220 mi) via National Highway A1 and Bruce Highway
Townsville to Alva Beach:
1.5 hours (100 km/60 mi) via National Highway A1
Bus:
From Cairns, Airlie Beach or Brisbane
Train:
From Cairns, Proserpine or Brisbane
