SS Yongala Dive Site

Overview

The SS Yongala Dive Site is a renowned shipwreck located off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. It's a premier diving location known for its rich marine biodiversity and historical significance.

The SS Yongala wreck is a significant historical site and one of the world's top dive locations, known for its abundant marine life and coral growth.

Scuba Diving Marine Life Historical Site

Location

Address

36 Braby St., Alva, Queensland

Neighborhood: Alva Beach

Coordinates

-19.295800, 147.416700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$250 (dive trip)

Children

Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

May-October

Best Time of Day

Morning

Better visibility and calmer seas

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

2 days (liveaboard trip)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and humid

• Coral spawning
• Whale sightings

summer

Hot and humid

• Warm water temperatures

autumn

Warm and dry

• Clear waters
• Abundant marine life

winter

Mild and dry

• Calm seas
• Cool water temperatures

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Advanced diving certification required
Book with a licensed operator
Check weather conditions

What to Bring

essential

Diving certification Dive gear Tickets

seasonal

Wetsuit Dry suit

not allowed

Fins with sharp edges Spearfishing equipment

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: High

• Deep dive
• Strong currents

Medical facilities: Nearest hospital in Townsville

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Cash

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Typical Costs

dive trip $200-$300

gear rental $50

certification $500

Dress Code

Dive gear, Wetsuit, Dive boots, Jewelry, Loose clothing

Booking Tips

• 3 months
• Licensed dive operators
• 72 hours
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Dive Townsville

Size: 30 MB

Features: Dive site maps, Weather updates, Booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Dive centers

Charging Stations: Dive centers

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Townsville Airport

Distance: 5 km

Travel Time: 10 minutes

taxi

$20 10 min

public_transport

$3 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 10 km

bus

$2 20 min

taxi

$25 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique marine biodiversity

Historical Significance: Shipwrecked in 1911, now a marine sanctuary

Insider Tips

Best marine life at dawn
Local operators offer discounts for multiple dives

Local Recommendations

• Visit Townsville Museum
• Try local seafood

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello G'day

thank_you Ta

where_is Where's

how_much How much?

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Japanese, Mandarin

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

SS Yongala Wreck

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Low angle for coral

Result: Stunning underwater shots

#SSYongala #DiveAustralia

Photography Rules

allowed areas Designated dive zones

prohibited areas Coral formations, Marine life nesting areas

flash photography Allowed with caution

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Not allowed

tripod policy Not applicable

selfie sticks Not allowed

Nearby Attractions

Magnetic Island

Distance: 30 km

Walking: Not walkable

Type: Island

Reef HQ Aquarium