SCOTTISH PRINCE (1887)
Gold Coast, Queensland
Three-masted iron barque
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1878, Aberdeen, Scotland
Sank:
1887, ran aground
Length:
64 metres (210’)
Beam:
9.9 metres (32.5’)
Displacement:
950 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Complement:
35
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
On a voyage from Glasgow to Brisbane carrying passengers and general cargo, the Scottish Prince run aground just after midnight a short distance from Southport.
After attempts to shift her, she was abandoned after taking on water before she finally sank. Luckily, there was no loss of life.
She now lays in 14 metres (45’) on sand and is protected under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
Although most of the wreck has collapsed, the bow still sits up five metres (15’) above the sand and her masts, bollards, boiler, ribbing and side plates are still obvious.
Divers with an astute eye, may also discover cargo remnants such as pipes, and beer and whiskey bottles poking out of the sand. Please look but do not take!
The wreck is covered with colourful corals and sponges as well as a host of other invertebrates, and the fish life is amazing.
Scottish Prince is the perfect second dive when returning from the Gold Coast’s fabulous off-shore diving.
Special thanks to Maria Dibisi of Gold Coast Dive Centre.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Open Water
Snorkelling:
Snorkelling and freediving not allowed
Access:
Boat only (15 minutes)
Depth:
12 – 14 metres (40-45’)
Visibility:
6 – 20 metres (20-65’)
Water temperature:
20 – 26°C (68-79°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Cook Island, Boulders, Kirra Reef, Palm Beach Reef and many more.
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
GOLD COAST DIVE ADVENTURES
247 Bayview Street
Runaway Bay Qld 4216
+61 (0) 404 286 599
info@goldcoastdiveadventures.com.au
www.goldcoastdiveadventures.com.au
GOLD COAST DIVE CENTRE
Unit 2 54/56 Paradise Avenue
Miami QLD 4220
+61 (0) 7 5572 0511
goldcoastdivecentre@gmail.com
www.goldcoastdivecentre.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Queensland
Nearest City:
Gold Coast
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Brisbane
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Gold Coast
Road:
Brisbane to Gold Coast:
Just over 75 minutes (70 km/40 mi) via M1
Bus:
From Brisbane
Train:
From Brisbane
