GLENELG DREDGE (1983)
Adelaide, South Australia
Self-propelled cutter suction dredge
VESSEL DETAILS
Launched:
1911, Holland, as South Australian
Sank:
1983, scuttled
Length:
41.9 metres (137.5’)
Beam:
9.0 metres (29.6’)
Displacement:
395 tons
Speed:
Unknown
Crew:
Unknown
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
Late last century, the South Australian Dive Industry was instrumental in gaining approval for a series of artificial reefs.
Glenelg Dredge and nearby Glenelg Barge (No 3 dumb hopper barge) are part of a scuttled underwater fleet which also includes three barges, two former fishing trawlers and two tyre reefs.
The Glenelg Dredge, originally named South Australian, spent 70 years working around Port Adelaide before being stripped and scuttled in 1983.
In 1984, she was joined by the Glenelg Barge, located only 30 metres (100’) from the dredge.
The intact dredge lays upright on sand in 18 metres (60’) with the deck at 15 metres (50’).
The suction crane and the boilers are quite obvious, and the wrecks support many species of fish including the rarely sighted common sawshark.
Both wrecks can be easily dived on the same dive and a star dropper trail has been put in place to assist navigation between the two vessels.
For more information go to: https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/environment/docs/south_australian.pdf
Glenelg Dredge is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to the Adelaide Scuba Team.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Scuba:
Open Water Diver
Snorkelling:
Too deep for snorkelling & freediving
Access:
Boat only (20 minutes)
Depth:
15 – 18 metres (50-60’)
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, Port Noarlunga Ships’ Graveyard, 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
