SS BOMBO (1949)
Wollongong, New South Wales
Steel screw streamer
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1930 Leith, Scotland
Sank:
1949 Cargo shifted & capsized
Length:
154.3 metres (506’)
Beam:
30.1 metres (99’)
Displacement:
540 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
SS Bombo, a coastal freighter, also served as a mine sweeper and stores carrier during World War II as HMAS Bombo.
Bombo capsized and sank in rough weather when her load of basalt aggregate shifted after being struck by a large wave.
Twelve of the fourteen crew including the captain perished.
She lay undiscovered, upside down on sand in 32 metres (110’), until 1979 and the divers who found her did not reveal her location until 1983.
While the wreck has deteriorated, it still provides an excellent dive.
The propellor and rudder stand out facing the surface, and bow and engine are both obvious.
Like most wrecks, Bombo supports a myriad of marine life including in sea tulips, gorgonian coral and sponges attached to her steel structure.
Huge schools of nannygai, bullseyes, old wives and mado hover above the wreck, and on the sand there are sergeant bakers, morwong and cleverly disguised red rock cod.
Special thanks to Donna Rainey from Dive Near Me
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (10 minutes)
Depth:
24 – 30 metres(70-100’)
Visibility:
5 – 20 metres(15-60’)
Water temperature:
14 – 24°C (57-75°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Bass Point, The Gutter, Bushranger Bay, Pig Island, & Martin Island seals & 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
DIVE NEAR ME WOLLONGONG
1/239 Windang Road
Windang NSW 2528
+61 (2) 4210 9279
info@divenearme.com.au
www.divenearme.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
New South Wales
Nearest City:
Sydney
Nearest Regional City:
Wollongong
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Sydney
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Shell Harbour Airport
Road:
Sydney to Wollongong:
1.5 hours (95 km/60 mi) via M1
Bus:
From Sydney
Train:
From Sydney
