VALIANT (1981)
Central Coast, New South Wales
Tug/Fireboat
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1945
Sank:
1981, scuttled
Length:
22.5 metres (130’)
Beam:
5.4 metres (19’)
Displacement:
72 tons
Speed:
8 knots
Crew:
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
The history of the Valiant seems to be a mystery, there are conflicting reports of her working history and her demise in the early 1980’s.
The best guess is she went down 1981 or possibly a year later.
It seems Valiant was commissioned in 1945, converted to a fireboat after World War II and spent most of her working life in Melbourne before being purchased by a Sydney company in 1978.
There are various stories about her life in Sydney and her end, but one thing is for sure, she now lies in 27 metres (90’) on sand just off Barrenjoey Head.
Valiant sits upright on her keel with a slight list to the port presenting very easy exploration and enough time get probably get around the hulk twice in a single dive.
The wreck is covered in ascidians, sponges and soft coral, and attracts plentiful fish life with plenty to see amongst the nooks and crannies.
Due to its proximity to the Hawkesbury River entrance, the best time to dive the Valiant is the top of the high tide when the visibility is best and a dive after heavy rain is not recommended.
In the right conditions, Valiant is an excellent dive.
Special thanks to Bob & Tony Diaz of Pro Dive Central Coast.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep
Access:
Boat only (15–45 minutes)
Depth:
20 – 27 metres (65-90’)
Visibility:
10 – 25 metres (30-80’)
Water temperature:
18 – 23°C (64-73°F)
Seasonal:
No, can dive anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE YOU ARE IN THE AREA
Three Mile Bommie, The Pinnacle, First Point and Ex-HMAS Adelaide.
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
CENTRAL COAST DIVERS
163 Wyong Road
Killarney Vale NSW 2261
+61 (2) 4389 3483
info@centralcoastdivers.com.au
www.centralcoastdivers.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
New South Wales
Nearest City:
Sydney
Nearest Regional City:
Gosford
Nearest Town:
Terrigal
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Sydney
Road:
Sydney to Terrigal:
1.5 hours (95 km/60 mi) via M1
Bus:
From Sydney
Train:
From Sydney
