Meet the site
The Barjon is a small fishing vessel that caught fire and sank in 1986, now lying on a sand and silt bottom roughly 18 km from Bundaberg. Marinelife.org.au, the only published dive source for the site, reports that the wreck is breaking up but still acts as a magnet for fish on an otherwise featureless seafloor.
What you see is a low, broken hull and scattered fittings rather than an intact boat. The attraction is the fish life that structure attracts: schools of baitfish hanging over the wreck, groper and snapper around the hull, mackerel passing through, and moray eels and scorpionfish in the gaps in the plating. Like most small wrecks on silt, visibility is modest and very sensitive to finning, so good buoyancy is essential to keep the dive enjoyable for everyone.
The Barjon is not a regular charter destination and its depth and exact position are not published. It is best regarded as a local secret for Bundaberg divers with their own boats, and a possible second dive for someone already out at the Bundaberg offshore marks. Because the hull is collapsing, penetration is not an option.
Visitors looking for a wreck dive near Bundaberg will find far more at the Cochrane Artificial Reef (several deliberately sunk vessels and aircraft in 15-18 m), the Karma barge to the north, or the ex-HMAS Tobruk, one of the largest dive wrecks in Australia. The Barjon suits divers who enjoy small, fishy wrecks and are happy to do the homework to find one.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Barjon Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Bundaberg & Agnes Water. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Barjon 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 Barjon 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
Baitfish schools, groper, snapper, mackerel, moray eels, scorpionfish
Location
Remains of a small fishing vessel that burned and sank in 1986 on a sand and silt bottom about 18 km from Bundaberg.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
