Yongala Express

• 12 - Pax
• 3 - Hours
• 2 - Dives

Yongala Dive operates daily except for Tuesdays

Take the fastest trip to the historic S.S. Yongala wreck, voted as one of the Top 10 Dives in the World.  Yongala Dive will take you to the wreck in 30 minutes.  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!

Dive the Yongala Wreck from Ayr, Northern Queensland

Ayr is perfectly located in Northern Queensland, halfway between Brisbane and Cairns.
Airlie Beach is just two hours south, while Townsville lies only one hour to the north.
This makes Ayr an ideal base for diving the legendary Yongala Wreck, one of Australia’s most famous dive sites.

Minimum Requirements

To dive the Yongala Wreck, you must hold a PADI Open Water certification with at least six logged dives and deep dive training.
Open Water divers need to complete a Deep Orientation dive with a PADI Instructor on their first wreck dive.
This orientation may count towards your PADI Advanced certification, though a textbook is required.
More experienced divers can choose to dive independently with a buddy or take a guided tour at no extra cost.

Novice divers with fewer than 20 dives should ensure their skills are refreshed within the last six months.
They will either be accompanied by a dive guide (for Adventure or Advanced certified divers) or may need to take the Deep Orientation dive at an extra cost.

Minimum age: 16 years

Vessel – Yongala Express

The Yongala Express is an 11-meter rigid inflatable boat, powered by 2 x 250 HP outboard engines.
It transports you on an exhilarating 30-minute ride to the wreck at speeds of around 25 knots.
The boat’s overhead canopy protects guests from sun, spray, and wind.

We keep our groups small, with only 12 passengers and up to four crew members, ensuring personalised attention and safety.

Departures, Pickups, and Accommodation

Pickups are available daily at around 3:30 pm from the Ayr Bus Stop when requested.
Accommodation is available at $40 per night for dorm-style bunks.
Alternatively, guests can choose from a selection of cabins or camping facilities.

Check-in occurs at the Yongala Dive Shop, 36 Braby Street, Alva Beach, starting at 7:30 am.
On days with two scheduled trips, check-in opens 30 minutes earlier.
The shop remains open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Booking Confirmation

To confirm departure details and check weather conditions, please call the crew.
We provide contact details upon booking.
Calls should be made between 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm on the day prior to your trip.
Please note, departure times may vary depending on tides and sea conditions.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

We provide a full refund if a trip is cancelled due to unsuitable weather conditions and you cannot reschedule.
Cancellations by passengers within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable unless we can fill the space at management discretion.
Between September and January, any cancellation within 7 days is non-refundable unless another guest can take your spot.

Why Dive the Yongala Wreck from Ayr?

• Located in Northern Queensland, between Brisbane and Cairns.
• Small group trips with 12 passengers and four crew members.
• Dive with certified instructors or explore independently with a buddy.
• Access the world-famous Yongala Wreck, teeming with marine life.
• Comfortable transport on the Yongala Express, with sun protection and smooth ride.
• Flexible accommodation options from dorms, cabins, to camping.

Whether you are an experienced diver or looking to advance your skills, diving from Ayr provides an exciting, safe, and memorable experience.
From the thrill of the ride to exploring one of the most iconic wrecks in Australia, every moment promises adventure.

For more historical information and fun facts for this amazing wreck, see the Queensland Government’s Tourism guide to the Yongala