Meet the site
The AV Ulonga is the deepest and most challenging wreck in this region, a historic vessel lying in 37-39 m far out in the gulf west of Rapid Head. According to the Marine Life Society of SA, she was built in 1910 by Permewan, Wright and Co. at Moama, New South Wales, as the iron-hulled paddle steamer PS Ulonga, a Murray River trader. In 1948 she was rebuilt as a three-masted schooner with auxiliary twin screws, 110.7 ft long with a 22 ft beam, and worked the coastal trade carrying gypsum, wool and superphosphate between Port Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. On 6 July 1976, sailing from American River back to Port Adelaide, she foundered at about 6 pm. Her crew of five were rescued by the SS Star Lily and transferred to a prawn boat. One theory is that her seams were sprung by the expanding gypsum cargo. The wreck lay undiscovered until divers found it around the mid-1990s to 2001. She sits upright, oriented roughly north-east to south-west with her bow toward Kangaroo Island. Divers have reported crates of soft drink bottles, deck fittings and portholes, and a Chrysler Valiant that has slipped off the deck onto the seabed, while an enormous wobbegong has taken up residence in the wheelhouse. Snapper and trevally school around the hull. The Marine Life Network notes the wreck is covered in anchors, fishing lines and heavy silt. This is a dive for technical divers only: at 37-39 m, no-decompression time on air is minimal, narcosis is significant, and currents are fierce. With suitable gas, planning and boat support, it offers a rare, rarely visited historic wreck.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
AV Ulonga Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Fleurieu Peninsula & Victor Harbor. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 AV Ulonga Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 AV Ulonga 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
Wobbegong (resident in wheelhouse), snapper, trevally, bullseyes, sponges
Location
Former paddle steamer rebuilt as a three-masted auxiliary schooner, sunk in 1976, lying upright in 37-39 m about 16.5 km west of Rapid Head in Gulf St Vincent.
Facilities nearby
Wirrina Cove (Marina St Vincent) boat ramp and fuel.
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
mlssa.org.aumarinelife.org.auen.wikivoyage.orgdivedb.netRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
