DUNKENFIELD (1889)
Sydney, New South Wales
Screw steamer
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1875, London, England
Sank:
1889, struck reef
Length:
63.4 metres (161’)
Beam:
10.7 metres (24’)
Displacement:
368 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
14
Passengers:
Nil
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
Duckenfield was on route from Sydney to Newcastle carrying coal and copper ingots when she struck the inside of Long Reef north of Sydney.
All but one of the crew, who drowned, were picked up by SS Hawkesbury after abandoning ship as she lay on the reef.
The captain, who was also the caption on the Royal Shepard, returned on a pilot vessel only to find no sign of the ship.
A week later the vessel was located when two masts were seen above the water and salvage operations then took place over the next 12 months.
The remains of Duckenfield lie in 24 metres (80’) of water x kilometres (1.5nm) from the Long Point boat ramp on flat reef.
Even though the hull has been reduced to keel level, large sections of the wreck still exist including the ribbing and other clearly visible structural metal.
Anchors, the chain locker, a winch, the engine and boiler, propeller blades and propellor shaft are all easily identified.
Copper ingots can still be found buried amidships, often stacked four deep.
Marine life on and near the wreck is quite prolific and diverse.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
16 – 24 metres (80-90’)
Visibility:
10 – 24 metres (30-80’)
Water temperature:
17 – 23°C (63-73°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Long Reef, Magic Reef, Royal Shepard & Centurion
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
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Sydney
