OZONE WRECK
|
| Type of dive: |
|
Wreck |
| Snorkelling: |
|
Lots to see! |
| Scuba: |
|
Open Water |
| Access: |
|
Just off shore |
| Depth: |
|
Up to 6 metres (20’) |
| Visibility: |
|
5 – 15 metres (15-50’) |
| Water temperature: |
|
12 – 22°C (54-72°F) |
| Seasonal: |
|
No, can visit anytime but November to March best |
Paddle Steamer Ozone along with PS Hygeia and PS Weeroona serviced the thriving Port Phillip Bay tourism industry from the 1800’s to just before World War II.
The Ozone, 79 metres (260’) long with a beam of 8.5 metres (28’), was built in Scotland in 1886 and boasted a speed of 17 knots.
She was said to be one of the finest paddle steamers ever built. However, she had a chequered career.
On her first bay excursion from Melbourne to Queenscliff she ran aground and also collided with Queenscliff Pier on her arrival. She also had collisions with the Elfin in 1889 and May in 1894.
After being withdrawn from service and stripped down she was scuttled as a breakwater next to the wooden barque Dominion off Indented Head in 1925.
Both of the Ozone’s paddle wheels were clearly visible above water until the starboard paddle wheel collapsed in 1991. The port paddle wheel is still above water making the wreck easy to spot from shore.
The remains of both wrecks are only about 50 metres (160’) off shore and provide divers with an intriguing look into Melbourne’s maritime past.
The Ozone is a relatively simple dive for both snorkellers and scuba divers, but care needs to be taken to avoid injury from sharp rusting metal.
Underwater, the Ozone’s two large boilers are clearly visible as are the wooden remnants of the Dominion to the north of the Ozone.
Marine life is quite plentiful including many stingrays on the sand around the wrecks.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
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Dated image of entrant with dive gear in front of wreck required.
DIVE SERVICES
SCUBABO DIVE VICTORIA
37 Learmonth Street
Queenscliff VIC 3225
+61 (3) 5258 1188
info@scubabo.com
www.dive.scubabo.com
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DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
WATER TEMPERATURES:
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Victoria
Nearest City:
Melbourne
Nearest Town:
Indented Head
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Melbourne
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Melbourne /Avalon
Road:
Melbourne to Indented Head:
1.5 hours (110 km/70 mi) via M 1
Bus:
From Melbourne
Train:
From Melbourne to Geelong then bus
