EX-HMAS CANBERRA (2009)
Ocean Grove, Victoria
HMAS Canberra (FFG 02) – Adelaide-class guided missile frigate
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1978 Seattle, USA
Sank:
2009 scuttled
Length:
138 metres (453’)
Beam:
13.7 metres (45’)
Displacement:
4,100 tons
Speed:
29 knots
Crew:
184 excluding aircrew
Passengers:
Nil
Motto:
“For Queen and Country”
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
Former HMAS Canberra (FFG 02), one of six Adelaide-class guided missile frigates, served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from 1981 to 2005.
The Canberra was scuttled off Ocean Grove on 4 October 2009 and now sits in 33 metres (110’) with her masthead 16 metres (50’) below the surface.
She is listing slightly to her portside.
The wreck is serviced by dive charter boats from both sides of southern Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff to the west and Portsea to the east.
Both departure locations are a little over 90 minutes from Melbourne by car, Queenscliff (100 km/60 mi) via the Princes Freeway (M1) and Bellarine Highway (B10), and Portsea (100 km/60 mi) via the Mornington Peninsula Freeway (M11).
Canberra is one of Australia’s Magnificent Seven! READ MORE
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Advanced Diver
Snorkelling:
No, too deep but freediving allowed
Access:
Boat only (30 minutes)
Depth:
16 – 33 metres (50-110’)
Visibility:
8 – 30 metres (25-100’)
Water temperature:
13 – 18°C (55-64°F)
Seasonal:
No, but November to May best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
J Class Submarines, Coogee, Eliza Ramsden, Lonsdale Wall, Portsea Hole & 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?
Wharf Street Pantry
6/4 Wharf Street
Queenscliff VIC 3225
+ 61 (3) 5258 2365
info@wharfstreetpantry.au
www.wharfstreetpantry.au
Need somewhere to eat & drink?
360Q
2 Wharf Street East
Queenscliff VIC 3225
+ 61 (3) 5257 4200
enquiries@360q.com.au
www.360q.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Victoria
Nearest City:
Melbourne
Nearest Regional City:
Not relevant
Nearest Town:
Sorrento/Queenscliff
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Melbourne for Sorrento/Avalon for Queenscliff
Road:
Melbourne to Sorrento:
1.5 hours (110 km/70 mi) via M 1 and Mornington Peninsula Fwy/M11
Melbourne to Queenscliff:
1.5 hours (110 km/70 mi) via M 1
Bus:
From Melbourne
Train:
Sorrento:
Not available
Queenscliff:
From Melbourne to Geelong then bus
Ferry:
From/to Sorrento or Queenscliff
