PORT NOARLUNGA SHIPS’ GRAVEYARD (1994-2002)
Adelaide, South Australia
Tug & fishing trawler
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
In the early 1980’s, man-made reefs constructed from over 25,000 tyres were deployed underwater near Adelaide to attract marine life.
The tyres were arranged in pyramidal modules of 28 tyres wired together and over 1,000 modules were used in the construction of ten artificial reefs that still remain today.
These artificial reefs proved to be a great success, attracting a huge and diverse array of marine life including many species of fish.
The Port Noarlunga Ships’ Graveyard, just south of Adelaide, was formed after an innovative South Australian dive industry added two scuttled vessels next to the Port Noarlunga Artificial Reef to enhance the diving experience.
In 1994 at a cost of $12,000, the Dive Industry Association organised the scuttling of the 24 metre (78’) HA Lumb, a former tug which was converted into a deep-sea trawler.
In 2002 at cost of $6,000, MV Seawolf, a 32 metre (104’) former Japanese fishing trawler was also scuttled by the Sea Wolves Dive Club.
Both vessels were cleaned and prepared for divers prior to their scuttling.
Both vessels lay on a sandy bottom in close proximity to each other and the tyre reef.
HA Lumb sits upright and MV Seawolf is on its starboard side, all three sites can to be explored on a single dive!
For more information go to: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/heritage/maritime-heritage/visiting-maritime-heritage-places/ships-graveyards/port-noarlunga
Special thanks to the Adelaide Scuba Team.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Open Water
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (90 minutes)
Depth:
15 – 22 metres(50-70’)
Visibility:
5 – 15 metres (15-50’)
Water temperature:
12 – 22°C (54-72°F)
Seasonal:
No, but October to May best
OTHER GREAT DIVES WHILE IN THE AREA
Ex-HMAS Hobart, Aldinga Drop-off, Glenelg Dredge, The Norma, Stanvac Barges and 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
ADELAIDE SCUBA
3 Cygnet Court
Glenelg North SA 5045
+61 (8) 8294 7744
diving@adelaidescuba.com.au
www.adelaidescuba.com.au
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
LOCATION
State or Territory:
South Australia
Nearest City:
Adelaide
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Adelaide
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Adelaide
