SS OAKLAND (1903)
Nelson Bay, New South Wales
Screw steamer
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1890, Dumbarton, Scotland
Sank:
1903, foundered
Length:
47 metres (154’)
Beam:
7.3 metres 24)
Displacement:
398 tons
Speed:
8-9 knots
Crew:
18
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 Oakland, a costal trader, was on passage from Newcastle to the Clarence River with a cargo of coal, headstones and flour when she foundered in heavy seas near Port Stephens.
In a effort to save the vessel, the captain steered to the lee side of Cabbage Tree Island but, unfortunately, the vessel’s list became worse and the crew were ordered to abandon ship.
Sadly, the only life boat could carry seven crew and the other 11, including the captain, perished overnight.
It is thought that the movement of her cargo was the cause of the tragedy.
Prior to her final downfall, Oakland had a checkered past. She ran aground on no less than eight occasions including twice on the same voyage in 1901, a passenger fell overboard and drowned in 1895, and she was involved in two collisions (Sydney 1893 & Sarah L Hixson 1901).
Oakland lies at a depth of 27 metres (90’) on sand, north of Cabbage Tree Island.
Her bow sits upright and other obvious remnants can be explored including her boiler.
Her remains support prolific marine life including large schools of yellow tail scat and pomfret, wobbegongs, fiddler rays, and visits by pelagic fish such as kingfish and bonito are not uncommon.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
24 – 27 metres (80-90’)
Visibility:
10 – 25 metres (30-80’)
Water temperature:
18 – 23°C (64-73°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Broughton Island, Fly Point, Little Beach, The Pipeline and Inner Islands.
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
There is no preferred dive services provider for this dive, to register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
New South Wales
Nearest City:
Sydney
Nearest Regional City:
Newcastle
Nearest Town:
Nelson Bay
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Newcastle
Road:
Sydney to Nelson Bay:
Just over 2.5 hours (210 km/130 mi) via Pacific Motorway/B63
Newcastle to Nelson Bay:
Just under 1 hour (60 km/37 mi) via Nelson Bay Rd/B63
Bus:
From Sydney and Newcastle
