SS SINGAPORE (1877)
Mackay, Queensland
Single-screw passenger & cargo steamship
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1874, Glasgow, Scotland
Sank:
1877, ran aground
Length:
86.9 metres (285’)
Beam:
9.8 metres (32’)
Displacement:
1,540 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
Unknown
Passengers:
Unknown
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
While on a voyage from Hong Kong to Sydney carrying passengers and 120 tons of cargo, mainly tea, SS Singapore struck a sunken reef near Keswick Island, near Mackay during the night.
All passengers and crew were safely landed
A subsequent Marine Board Inquiry believed a strong tide may have carried the vessel off course and no blame was laid.
The reef the ship struck is now known as Singapore Rock
The largely intact wreck now lays on its keel encrusted in an array of coral in a protected Marine Park Green Zone in 25 metres (80’) on reef and sand.
The stern and bow are obvious and although the deck has collapsed there is much to see including winches and masts.
The marine diversity on the wreck is abundant and includes turtles, barracuda, rays and pelagic fish.
Nearby, the wreck of the Cremer (1943) is also a great dive.
Special thanks to Luke from Wonder Dive and Caitlin & Shelby from Neptune Spear and Dive.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
Image is a similar ship.
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver (Supervised Open Water Diver)
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
26 – 33 metres (85-110’)
Visibility:
5 – 15 metres (15-50’)
Water temperature:
22 – 29°C (72-84°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Cremer and Slider Timur
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
WONDER DIVE
26 Endeavour Street,
Mackay QLD 4740
+61 (07) 4846 0025
gday@wonderdive.com.au
www.wonderdive.com.au
NEPTUNE SPEAR AND DIVE
26 Endeavour Street,
Mackay QLD 4740
+61 (07) 4846 0025
admin@neptunespearanddive.com.au
www.neptunespearanddive.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Brisbane
Nearest Regional City:
Townsville
Nearest Town:
Mackay
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Cairns
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Mackay
Road:
Townsville to Mackay:
4.5 hours (387 km/240 mi) via National Highway A1 (Bruce Highway)
Bus:
From Townsville or Brisbane
Train:
From Townsville or Brisbane
