SS Yongala Wreck - Australia's Best Dive

The SS Yongala is one of the world's great wreck dives. The Yongala wreck is a national historic site, protected under the Historic Shipwreck Act (1976), and lies within the beautiful World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, near Townsville. The artifacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are spectacular. It’s a dive experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

The SS Yongala sank during a cyclone in 1911 with the loss of all 121 persons on board. It was not until 1958 that the wreck was discovered, and due to it’s remote location the wreck of the Yongala remains mostly untouched. The wreck begins 14m below the surface and lies on a sandy bottom at 28m. Since it is the only reef structure in the region, the marine life gathers at the wreck providing for an unforgettable diving experience!

Features of the SS Yongala Wreck :

Cast Iron Bath

Rudder

Aft Mast

Engine Room & Steam Room

Funnel Opening

Forward Mast

Forward Cargo Hold

Anchor

'Yongala' Name

Anchor Winch

1st Class Dining Room

Toilets

Port Holes

OPTIONS

The SS Yongala wreck can either be dived as an over night trip leaving fromTownsville (contact us for details of this trip and see here for details) or as day trips from either Townsville or Ayr (a town further south).

Ayr is situated in Northern Queensland between Brisbane and Cairns, with Airlie Beach just 2 hours south and Townsville 1 hour to the north.

PLEASE NOTE FOR BOTH TRIPS, AS THE DIVES ARE TO 30M, YOU MUST BE ADVANCED DIVER, OR SHOW DEEP DIVE EXPERIENCE. OPEN WATER DIVERS CAN STILL TAKE THE TRIP BUT WILL HAVE TO TAKE THE DEEP DIVE ORIENTATION DIVE AT THE WRECK (CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS YOUR ADVANCED COURSE) FOR AROUND $20 - $25 EXTRA.

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M.V. Yongala Express - Ayr

Vessel
Yongala Express is a purpose built 10m rigid inflatable boat, powered by new twin 200 hp Yamaha four stroke outboards it is perfect for wave riding, ensuring a fast, fun and safe trip.

Departures
From Alva Beach it will transport you on an exhilarating 30 minute ride to the wreck, with speeds of around 25 knots. It’s overhead canopy and side curtains protect you from the sun, spray and wind - there is even a marine toilet on board. With only 12 passengers and up to four crew we ensure small groups.

Pickups
Daily 12:40 and 3:25pm at Ayr Bus Stop daily when advised.

Check in
Check in at Yongala Dive Store -56 Narrah Street, Alva Beach:
Wednesday to Monday 7.15 am sharp
Tuesday’s only 8.00 am
Shop oening hours are 07:30 - 5pm daily

Divers catered for
An open water certification and 6 logged dives with deep dive training is our minimum requirement for this dive.
The Yongala is an intermediate dive site and it is recommended that divers should be comfortable in conditions which can sometimes be challenging.
Novice divers (those with less than 20 dives) should ensure they have refreshed their skills within the last six months and will be provided with a dive guide (if adventure or advanced certified) or required to take a Deep Orientation dive. This may be counted towards the PADI Advanced course at extra costs (text bookl required)
The more experienced divers can choose to dive with a buddy or take a guided tour at no extra cost.

Food and snacks
Fresh fruit, cake, cordial and water will be provided during our one hour surface interval, when we often catch turtles sun-baking on the surface.
Then it’s back into the water for our final dive before heading back to Alva Beach where you can shower, change and enjoy a wonderful Aussie BBQ whilst discussing your awesome dive experiences with your new found friends. Back at the dive store by 14:00 for the bar b que.

Booking Confirmation
To confirm departure details and weather conditions please call the crew (we will advise contact details upon booking) between 3.30 - 5pm on the day prior to your trip. Times may vary due to tides/sea conditions.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund will be provided if a trip is canceled due to unsuitable weather conditions if you are unable to reschedule your trip. No refunds will be provided for cancellations by passengers within 48 hours of departure (see additional info below), unless we are able to fill your space (at management discretion).
Between September and January any cancellation within 7 days is non refundable unless the seat on the boat can be filled by another.

MV Adrenalin - Townsville

Vessel
MV"Adrenalin" runs out of Townsville every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday, and is a 15m flybridge cruiser with dive platform, onboard toilet and shower. It is fairly stable and kitted out for diving.

Departures
From Townsville Breakwater Marina at 07:00, and Magnetic Island Nelly Bay Harbour at 07:25am. Return to Magnetic Island at 4:30pm approx., and Breakwater Marina 5.00pm approx. Travel time is approximately 3 hours to get to the wreck.

Pick ups
Transfers are not available and all passengers must meet the at Breakwater Marina (from The Strand) at 06.30am. (Click here for map).

Divers catered for
2 dives for certified divers with a minimum level of 6 logged dives. Divers with less than 15 logged dives to be guided ($30 extra cost). All divers are required to present proof of certification and log books on board.

Food and snacks
Tea coffee, plus morning and afternoon tea.

Booking Confirmation
Balance of payment required 48 hours prior to departure. Passengers must pay required deposit at time of booking, then balance will be taken by Adrenalin Dive. Passengers must contact Adrenalin Dive between 3:30 and 4.00pm on the afternoon prior to departure (we will advise contact details upon booking) , to check weather conditions and confirm place of accommodation, pick up time.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Adrenalin reserve the right to cancel or postpone trips if they consider the weather conditions will make diving unsafe. Should a trip be canceled/postponed by Adrenalin Dive, full refund will apply. No refunds for cancellation by the customer within 48 hours prior to departure. Should a passenger wish to reschedule a $50 fee will apply.

PRICES (Valid from January 1st 2011 - Dec 31st 2011)

(We take deposit of $34.50 and balance of $195.50 plus taxes to pay upon check in for full gear and $30 for tank and weights - balance of $170 payable upon check in) Reef taxes and fuel levies are shown as an additional cost above.

(For divers requiring tank and weights only we take deposit of $45.20 leavng a balance of $180.80 to pay upon check in. For full gear hire the total trip is $266 requiring a deposit of $53.20 leaving a balance of $212.80 payable upon check in) Reef taxes and fuel levies are included.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What to Bring
Certification card, log book, voucher/ticket, money, hat, towel, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen. MV Adrenalin has sun and wind protection for comfort, however a jacket is recommended for cooler days. MV Yongala Express has spray screens and warm gear would also be recommended on cooler days.

Sea Conditions
The Yongala Wreck is located in open waters. Passengers are advised to consult a pharmacist for anti-seasickness medication prior to departure, or "Travacalm" may be purchased on board. While moderate currents may be encountered at this site, ascent and descent lines are used to assist divers.

Insurance
Dive and travel insurance is recommended.

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A deposit is required at time of booking, with the balance paid on day of departure.

Please check availability with us prior to booking.