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Day Trip to S.S. Yongala Wreck
Highlights
- Explore the historic S.S. Yongala wreck, a top dive site teeming with vibrant marine life.
- Experience a full-day adventure from Townsville, enjoying scenic views across the Coral Sea.
- Dive with giant groupers and sea turtles, encountering unforgettable wildlife beneath the waves.
- Receive expert guidance and top-quality gear, ensuring a safe and memorable diving experience.
Dive the Legendary S.S. Yongala Wreck with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
Venture beneath the surface to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking dive sites — the S.S. Yongala. This historic wreck, lying within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, is a bucket-list experience for certified divers seeking marine life encounters like no other.
The Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911, and now rests 30 metres below the surface, cloaked in mystery and thriving biodiversity. It’s home to giant groupers, marble rays, sea turtles, and swirling schools of barracuda — a true underwater safari.
Departing from Townsville and a picking up from Magnetic Island your full-day adventure includes a scenic journey across the Coral Sea aboard a well-equipped vessel, with experienced dive guides who know the site intimately. You’ll receive a thorough briefing, top-quality gear, and attentive support throughout.
This dive is best suited to advanced or experienced divers due to the depth and sometimes strong currents — but the rewards are unmatched.
Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is committed to eco-conscious practices, ensuring your adventure helps protect this marine treasure.
Dive in and discover why the Yongala is ranked among the top 10 wreck dives in the world.
Itinerary highlights
Historic S.S. Yongala Wreck
Dive into One of the World’s Great Wreck Adventures – The S.S. Yongala
The S.S. Yongala is consistently ranked among the top 10 wreck dives in the world — and for good reason. This legendary site offers certified divers an unforgettable mix of history, adrenaline, and marine life encounters.
Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the 109-metre passenger ship sank in 1911 during a cyclone. Today, it lies between 15 and 29 metres deep and is protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act. The wreck is encrusted with corals and sponges and serves as a magnet for life in an otherwise barren seabed.
Expect to see giant Queensland gropers, sea turtles, eagle rays, marble rays, sea snakes, barracuda, and swirling schools of trevally. During cooler months, divers might even spot humpback whales or whale sharks cruising past.
The tour includes two dives at the site, departing from either Townsville or Magnetic Island. Optional guided dives are available for a small additional fee for those wanting deeper insights into this remarkable site.
If you’re an experienced diver ready for something extraordinary, this is one of Australia’s most exhilarating underwater experiences.
Tour details
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Available from 16 December 2023 to 31 March 2027
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Offers a range of contact methods for receiving complaints.
- Employs people with disabilities.
- Staff are trained in disability awareness.
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Uses non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
- Seating in common areas including reception area
Physical – Wheelchair
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
- Wheelchair access to amusements and activities including boats and bush trails (includes tour rides, skyways, trolley cars, flying fox, amusement rides and boating).
Allergies and intolerances
Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.
- Modify their cooking and cleaning practices to cater for people with food allergies or chemical intolerances (could include menus with meals free from: nuts, dairy, seafood, eggs, gluten etc).
- Staff are trained to respond to allergic reactions.
Access & Inclusion
An access and inclusion statement is available on the business website.
- https://www.adrenalindive.com.au/about/access-and-inclusion-statement/
Operation information
Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
Discover the Great Barrier Reef with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive!
Explore some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most iconic sites with Townsville’s most awarded snorkel and dive operator. From vibrant coral gardens and underwater sculptures to Australia’s most famous shipwreck, Adrenalin offers marine adventures for snorkellers and divers of all levels.
Departing from Townsville and Magnetic Island, our full-day tours take you to the best of the reef. Snorkel untouched coral systems, dive the legendary SS Yongala wreck, or visit the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) — a globally unique fusion of art, science, and storytelling beneath the sea.
Whether you’re a local, domestic traveller, international visitor, first-time snorkeller or experienced diver, there’s something here for everyone.
Tour options include:
Great Barrier Reef – snorkel and dive remote coral ecosystems.
MOUA – Australia’s only underwater sculpture garden at John Brewer Reef.
SS Yongala – world-famous wreck dive for certified divers.
Introductory and Certified Diving – with expert, safety-focused guides.
PADI Dive Courses – learn to dive or advance your certification in small groups.
Eco-Conscious Tourism – committed to marine conservation and sustainable practices.
Enjoy small group sizes, expert crew, premium equipment and a passion for the reef that shines through every trip.
Explore the reef your way — coral, art, or wreck — and make memories to last a lifetime.
Book your full-day adventure today.
Activities
Tags
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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Professional Association of Diving Instructors
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Queensland Tourism Industry Council
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
- QLD – Townsville Enterprise
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