SS Yongala
Courtesy of A.D. Edwards Collection in the State Library of South Australia.
Courtesy of Arbon Le Maistre Collection in the State Library of South Australia.
Details
Year Built: 1903
Built: Newcastle-on-Tyne (UK)
Description of Vessel: Classed as an A1 Screw Steamer, the Yongala was steel-hulled and powered by a large triple expansion engine from the Wallsend-Shipway Engineering Company Limited.
Length: 363 feet (111 meters)
Breadth: 45 feet (13.8 meters)
Depth: 27 feet (8.2 meters)
Location of Shipwreck: 15 miles east of Cape Bowling Green
Wrecked: 1911
History
At 1.40pm on 23 March 1911, the Yongala left Mackay bound for Townsville on what would be its final voyage. Five hours later, the vessel passed the lighthouse keeper on Dent Island in the Whitsunday Passage, steaming into what was described as "worsening weather". With no radio onboard, the captain had little warning of the cyclone that lay ahead. This was the last sighting of the Yongala. The ship was never seen afloat again. All onboard lost their lives: a total of 122 people.
Dive the SS Yongala
The following information is based on personal experience. Always check with authorities about local conditions before diving.
Diving Accessibility Rating: Challenging
Diving Highlight: In terms of popularity rating as a dive site the Yongala undoubtedly tops any bill.
Best Diving Season: December - April
Max depth: 16 - 30 meters
Getting ThereThe Yongala can be reached from a number of North Queensland locations. Townsville, Ayr and Airlie Beach are the closest. Several dive shops are located there, offering dive tours to the wreck. Tours range from day trips to live-on-board trips lasting several days and including visits to other Great Barrier Reef dive locations.
Diving Video
SS Yongala - Bow to Stern
SS Yongala - Stern to Bow
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Permits
The Yongala lies within a protected zone and regulations prohibit any activity that could damage the fabric of the wreck or the prolific flora and fauna which has colonized the wrecked hull. A no-anchoring zone with a 500m radius has been proclaimed around the wreck. Activities such as removing artefacts and fishing are also prohibited. A mooring system has been installed in the protected zone. A fee system has been established for use of the moorings. Contact the Museum of Tropical Queensland for further information about method of payment and moorings use.
As one of the Great Barrier Reef's premier dive locations, the Yongala is also a significant artificial reef. So, in addition to protection under Section 7 Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 [external link, opens in new window], Great Barrier Reef Marine Park regulations also apply.
Download a diving permit application form [new window 113 KB 
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