FORSTER BARGE (1970’s)
Forster, New South Wales
Landing barge
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
Unknown
Sank:
Scuttled 1970’s
Length:
15 metres (xx’)
Beam:
xx metres (xx’)
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
Scuttled 1970’s, the Forster Barge lies flat upside down on a reef in 28 metres (92’) just outside the Coolongolook River estuary.
Over the years, some sections of the hull have collapsed revealing its internal framework.
An overhang between the barge and the reef harbours a variety of small fish, moray eels, wobbegongs, and striped catfish.
The wreck also supports an array of colourful invertebrates including many species of nudibranch.
The site also attracts large numbers of Port Jackson sharks, particularly newly hatched pups in late winter and early spring.
The optimal time to dive the barge is the top of the flood tide when the visibility is at its best.
Whilst sometimes difficult to dive because it is tide dependent, the Forster Barge certainly worth the effort, particularly with a camera.
Forster Barge is also a grey nurse aggregation site!
Special thanks to Ron Hunter from Dive Forster.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep
Access:
Boat only (20 minutes)
Depth:
24 – 28 metres (80-90’)
Visibility:
7 – 30 metres (20-100’)
Water temperature:
14 – 24°C (57-75°F)
Seasonal:
No, can dive anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
The Pinnacle, Latitude Rock, The Grotto, Labyrinth & SS Satara (Technical dive).
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
DIVE FORSTER
86 Little Street
Forster NSW 2428
+61 (2) 6554 7478
dive@diveforster.com.au
www.diveforster.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
New South Wales
Nearest City:
Sydney
Nearest Regional City:
Newcastle
Nearest Town:
Forster
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Newcastle
Road:
Sydney to Forster:
3.5 hours (315 km/195 mi) via M1 and Pacific Highway/A1
Bus:
From Sydney
Train:
From Sydney
