Wrecks and Tec diving

Oakland (27m)  

A 154 feet long collier which sank with the loss of eleven lives in a terrible gale in May 1903. The wreck lies in 27 metres of water north of Cabbagetree Island an is an interesting dive. the wreck offers protection for huge schools of baitfish, bream, leather jacket

Macleay (41m)  

A similar vessel, the Macleay sank with the loss of fifteen lives after crashing onto rocks at Little Island in 1911. The Macleay lies in 42 metres off the south east corner of the island. With often limited visibility, it is a more challenging dive than the Oakland, and a favourite of our technical divers. The engine and boiler are in good condition, while the partially collapsed bow offers protection for large mullaway while the rest of the wreck is covered by a large school of morwong.

Little Island  - deep sponges & gutters (38-48m)

The most exposed dive sites in the area with sheer walls on all sides and attractive sponge gardens in the deep gutters to the north and east of the island. Our favourite site if you are into deeper diving. You can encounter anything out there, from cobia, snapper, small whalers and in summer schools of eagle rays. Port Jackson sharks breed close to the island and who knows what lurks out in the deep.

Satara (40-45m)  

The steamship Satara sank in 1910 and now lies in up to 45 metres of water just south of Seal Rocks. The wreck is approximately 125 metres long, 9 metres high and has a beam of about 15 metres. The boilers and the stern are the most interesting parts of the wreck and has an abundance of fish life including species such as snapper and morwongs. It is a deep dive with limited bottom time and is for experienced divers only. It is a great dive for those qualified in technical diving. The transit from Nelson Bay is approximately 2 hours. Charters can be arranged, please contact us for further details.