The Queensland Historic Shipwrecks Trail highlights a number of shipwrecks of considerable interest to historians, divers and the general reader. Stretching along the coast of Queensland is the world's largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef. This treacherous stretch of water has claimed many lives. It is estimated that more than 1800 ships were wrecked along this coastline before WWII. Some of these wrecks have almost completely disintegrated and/or disappeared in the harsh and destructive marine environment on a reef, especially the ones that ran aground on the reef and remained there.. Many others remain undiscovered. Of the known wrecks that have stayed relatively intact after sinking to the seabed, some are considered among the world's best wreck dives and are of international cultural heritage significance.
Divers are encouraged to visit and explore wrecks, but also to respect them as ‘Underwater Display Cases’. Most can be dived on without a permit. But some significant or fragile wrecks, such as HMS Pandora and SS Yongala, require permits under Section 7 of the Historic Shipwrecks Act (1976). [external link, opens in new window]
Permits list special conditions, including a Code of Conduct, that apply to foster the practice of minimum impact wreck diving.
Please enjoy exploring Queensland’s fascinating underwater cultural heritage.
More Information
- Download [new window 50 KB PDF] a diving permit application form
- Visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland
- Contact us for more information or with your comments