Meet the site
The Aquarian was a fishing trawler about 15 m long and 5 m wide that sank off South Stradbroke Island in 1986 with the loss of her skipper, Malcolm Taylor. The Gold Coast Seaway tower is named in his honour, a reminder of how dangerous the coast around the Seaway and Jumpinpin bars can be for working boats. The wreck lies in about 14 m within Moreton Bay Marine Park, north of the Seaway, and is dived under the marine parks permit held by Gold Coast Dive Adventures. The stern is fully exposed, while the bow sits in the sand to about a third of its depth, so the wreck slopes gently from bow to stern. Being small and intact, it is an easy wreck to understand in a single dive, and the operator rates it suitable for all experience levels. There is no need to penetrate; the interest is in the growth on the hull and the animals that use it. The wreck is known for bottom-dwelling sharks: blind sharks, wobbegongs and shovelnose rays (guitar sharks) rest beside and under the hull, and small reef fish, baitfish and invertebrates have colonised the structure. It is often listed with the Dragin II and the Scottish Prince as one of the Gold Coast wrecks. Divers should remember that it is the site of a fatal sinking and treat it with respect. It is a good introduction to wreck diving for newly certified divers and a pleasant, shallow second dive after a deeper site.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Aquarian Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Gold Coast. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Aquarian Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Aquarian Wreck through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Blind sharks, wobbegongs, shovelnose rays (guitar sharks), baitfish, small reef fish, invertebrates
Location
15 m fishing trawler lost in 1986, lying in about 14 m off South Stradbroke Island within Moreton Bay Marine Park, north of the Gold Coast Seaway.
Facilities nearby
Runaway Bay Marina for departures.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
goldcoastdiveadventures.com.auunidive.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.