Meet the site
The Beaufort bomber is Bundaberg's aviation-history dive. Bristol Beaufort A9-322 of No. 32 Squadron RAAF went into the sea on Christmas Eve 1943 about 15 km off Burnett Heads; all the crew were rescued. Bundaberg was a major RAAF training base in the Second World War and several Beauforts were lost along this coast, which makes this one of the few accessible reminders of that period underwater.
Don't expect an intact aircraft. Marinelife.org.au describes the wreck as dispersed by storms, small and distant – the remains are scattered pieces of airframe and engine on the seabed rather than a recognisable plane. The value of the dive is historical rather than scenic, and finding the debris requires an accurate mark. Visibility is usually good this far offshore and currents are slight, so conditions for searching are generally fair on a calm day. Fish life gathers around the metal as it does on any structure on open sand, and the wreckage is encrusted with growth.
As a Second World War military aircraft crash site, the wreckage should be treated as protected: the Australian Government considers RAAF aircraft wrecks Commonwealth property, so nothing may be removed or disturbed. The site is dived only by private boats and clubs; no operator runs it regularly.
For wreck enthusiasts it can be combined with Evans Patch nearby. For most visiting divers, Bundaberg's aviation interest is more easily satisfied at the Cochrane Artificial Reef, where two Mohawk aircraft and a King Air were deliberately sunk as dive attractions.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Beaufort Bomber A9-322 Wreck is recorded as Aircraft 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Beaufort Bomber A9-322 Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Beaufort Bomber A9-322 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
Encrusting growth, reef fish, baitfish, cod, rays
Location
Scattered remains of RAAF Bristol Beaufort A9-322 (No. 32 Squadron), which ditched on Christmas Eve 1943 about 15 km off Burnett Heads.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Burnett Heads boat ramp
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.