TSS GEORGE KEMODE (1976)
Phillip Island, Victoria
Twin-screw steam-powered bucket dredge
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1914 Paisley, Scotland, as Sir William Matthews
Sank:
1976 scuttled
Length:
70 metres (230’)
Beam:
13.4 metres (44’)
Displacement:
1,380 tons
Speed:
Unknown
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 George Kermode, launched in 1914 as Sir William Matthews, was built in England for the Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, government.
She was purchased by the Western Australian government in 1917 and then purchased and renamed by the Melbourne Harbour Trust in 1941.
After a refit she then worked in the Port of Melbourne except for a small stint in Tasmania in 1945 and 1946.
On April Fool’s Day in 1976, George Kermode was scuttled using explosives by the Victorina Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands as part of an artificial reef program.
The hull now lies upside down in 20 metres (65’) of water on broken reef with the top of the wreck in 12 metres (40’).
The remains are quite intact and provide open quite large internal access around the two boilers whilst other areas can be very tight and require caution.
Care also needs to be taken to avoid sharp metal edges too.
The anchor and chain can be located near the bow of the hull.
Fish life on, in and around the George Kermode is very diverse and includes large schools of bullseyes and yellow fin pike that seem to favour the boiler area.
Special thanks to Peter Mosse.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Open Water
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
12 – 20 metres (40-65’)
Visibility:
10 – 30 metres (30-100’)
Water temperature:
13 – 18°C (56-65°F)
Seasonal:
No, can visit anytime
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
The Pinnacle, Pyramid Rock, Seal Rocks and Nobbies & 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
SCUBABO DIVE VICTORIA
37 Learmonth Street
Queenscliff VIC 3225
+61 (3) 5258 1188
info@scubabo.com
www.dive.scubabo.com
SPECIAL OFFER: Free Friday Night Accommodation (One per entrant)
To redeem: Email info@scubabo.com & quote 50 Great Dives
OTHER SERVICES
Need somewhere to eat, drink or stay?
SAN REMO HOTEL-MOTEL
145 Marine Parade
San Remo VIC 3925
+61 (3) 5678 5352
office@sanremohotel.net
www.sanremohotel.net
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Victoria
Nearest City:
Melbourne
Nearest Regional City:
Leongatha
Nearest Town:
San Remo/Cowes
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Melbourne
Road:
Melbourne to San Remo:
Just over 1.5 hours (125 km/78 mi) via M1 and M420
Bus:
From Melbourne
