Sunshine Coast: Scuba Dive the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Ship Wreck

If you’re a certified diver looking for a truly memorable underwater exploration, the Sunshine Coast offers an impressive opportunity: diving the Ex-HMAS Brisbane—a decommissioned Australian guided missile destroyer turned artificial reef. This experience promises clear waters, a historic ship to explore, and a vibrant marine ecosystem.

From the sheer size of the wreck to the variety of sea creatures that inhabit her—ranging from turtles to eagle rays—this dive delivers both visual spectacle and a touch of history. We love that it’s suitable for all levels of certified divers and offers an authentic, immersive experience.

That said, it’s worth noting that diving equipment and underwater cameras are not included, which adds a small extra expense, and you’ll need to plan for transportation since hotel pickups aren’t offered. This tour is best suited for adventurous underwater enthusiasts with certification, eager to see one of the world’s top wrecks and interact with local marine life.

Key Points

• Unique wreck site: The Ex-HMAS Brisbane is considered one of the world’s premier shipwrecks for divers.
• Rich marine life: Encounter turtles, eagle rays, giant groupers, and more, in waters with excellent visibility.
• Accessible for certified divers: Open to divers from Open Water level upwards with proper certification.
• Two relaxed dives: Using dedicated moorings, allowing a comprehensive exploration of the entire wreck.
• Ideal conditions: Consistently good water clarity and minimal swell mean dependable diving experiences.
• Includes guided experience: Professional PADI instructors or Divemasters lead the dives, providing expert guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What’s Special About This Diving Adventure?

The Sunshine Coast isn’t just famous for its beaches and vibrant coastal towns—it also boasts one of the world’s top wreck sites, the Ex-HMAS Brisbane. This decommissioned destroyer has become a magnet for divers seeking a mix of history, marine life, and underwater exploration, all within easy reach ofshore.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, the size of the ship is impressive. Sitting upright at 15 to 18 meters deep, the wreck is a sprawling playground where you can get a close look at her hull, engine room, and control room—still stocked with kill switches and other equipment. It’s like walking through a piece of history, but underwater.

Secondly, the marine ecosystem surrounding her is thriving. Regularly studied by environmental scientists, the site hosts a variety of species that make every visit different and exciting. Plus, the water clarity and minimal swell ensure you get a clear, stable view of what’s beneath the surface—crucial for safety and enjoyment.

Lastly, the tour is run by knowledgeable guides, often praised for their professionalism and friendly attitude. For divers of all levels—from those with open water certificates to dive masters—the experience is both accessible and rewarding.

One thing to consider: you’ll need your own scuba gear or hire it on-site, and underwater cameras are an extra cost. So, plan ahead if capturing the moment is a priority. But overall, this is a superb option for anyone wanting a memorable wreck dive with a mix of adventure and wildlife.

What to Expect on Your Dive

Easy offshore access

The Ex-HMAS Brisbane is located just 2.9 nautical miles off the coast. That means it’s an easy boat trip—typically around 30 minutes—and the vessel is equipped with dedicated midship moorings, which make for two comfortable, leisurely dives. This setup allows divers to explore the entire wreck without being rushed or constantly repositioning the boat.

The wreck itself

Once underwater, you’ll immediately notice her imposing size—the ship is perfectly upright, with 15 meters of water over her forward decks and up to 18 meters over her stern. Her structure is surprisingly intact, with large sections of the hull still accessible. For those interested in a more in-depth visit, the ship’s interior includes the engine room and control room, which are accessible for penetration dives (though a torch is recommended and often available for hire).

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Marine life galore

The divers’ reviews highlight the incredible variety of marine creatures that call the wreck home. Expect to see large bull and eagle rays cruising between the funnels, and sometimes turtles resting on the aft funnel or gliding past. Schools of bait fish, red emperors, snapper, and yellow-tailed kingfish are common sights, along with other residents like anglerfish, lionfish, blennies, and squid.

A resident octopus has even made a home in a pyrotechnic tube on the deck—a quirky detail that adds to the charm of this site. Many divers also mention the abundance of soft and hard corals, which are establishing themselves on the ship’s rusted surfaces, creating a vibrant underwater garden.

Water conditions

Water temperatures range from 17°C in winter to 27°C in summer, so a wetsuit is recommended accordingly. Visibility generally averages around 15 meters, but it’s not uncommon to see up to 20 meters—perfect for appreciating the wreck’s scale and marine life.

The guides and safety

The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making even less experienced divers feel comfortable. All dives are led by qualified PADI instructors or Divemasters, ensuring safety and providing interesting commentary about the ship’s history and local marine ecology.

The Value of the Experience

At $125 per person, including boat transfers, marine park permits, and guided instruction, this tour offers great value for such a unique, high-quality experience. When you consider that it includes two dives on a premier wreck site, it’s a compelling proposition.

However, note that scuba equipment and underwater cameras are not included—but can be hired on the day if needed. The absence of hotel pick-ups might also mean arranging your own transportation, so plan accordingly.

Compared to other local excursions, this diving experience stands out due to the well-maintained site, professional guides, and the fact that it’s a certified diver-focused activity—making it less suitable for beginners without certification but ideal for experienced divers seeking a bucket-list wreck.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for certified divers eager to explore one of the world’s legendary wrecks. It’s especially attractive if you love marine biodiversity, as the site often features large rays, turtles, and schools of fish.

It’s also suitable for divers of all levels—from open water to divemaster—thanks to the boat’s setup and instructor support. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, well-preserved shipwrecks with lots of accessible interior sections, you’ll find this trip incredibly rewarding.

However, if you don’t have a current scuba license or prefer snorkelling, this experience isn’t suitable. Also, avid underwater photographers should budget for camera hire to capture the impressive sights.

The Sum Up

The Sunshine Coast’s Ex-HMAS Brisbane dive is a must-do for certified divers wanting to see a piece of naval history while enjoying vibrant marine life in excellent water conditions. Its well-organized setup, knowledgeable guides, and the sheer scale of the wreck make it a memorable adventure.

You’ll love the way the wreck’s structure invites exploration, revealing rooms and corridors filled with marine inhabitants. The diversity of creatures, from graceful rays to curious octopuses, adds a lively backdrop to your underwater journey. Plus, the easy boat access and two-dive format mean you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

This tour offers great value for those seeking a professional, well-maintained wreck site that’s suitable for a wide range of certified divers. It’s perfect if you’re craving a mix of history, scenery, and marine encounters in one trip.

If you’re ready to tick off a world-class wreck from your diving bucket list, this is an adventure worth considering. Just remember to bring your certification card, arrange your gear, and prepare for a memorable day under the waves.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, this experience is only available to certified divers, including those with open-water certification or higher.

Are dive equipment and cameras included?
No, they are not included but can be hired on the day for an extra charge. It’s worth booking gear in advance if possible.

How deep is the wreck?
The ship sits upright with water depths of 15 meters over her forward decks and up to 18 meters over her stern, making it accessible for most certified divers.

Is the water temperature suitable all year?
Water temperatures range from 17°C in winter to 27°C in summer, so a wetsuit is recommended based on the season.

What marine animals might I see?
Expect to see turtles, eagle rays, large groupers, squid, lionfish, blennies, nudibranchs, and schools of bait fish.

Is hotel pickup provided?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the departure point.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning.

Can I penetrate the ship’s interior?
Yes, with appropriate equipment and guidance, you can explore interior sections like the engine and control rooms, but a dive torch is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here: