Meet the site
The Bellbird was an 82 ft (25 m), 197-ton prawn trawler owned by Gollin Kyokuyo Fishing Co. At the time of Cyclone Tracy she was out of service with her engines removed and tied up on the inner face of Fort Hill Wharf. Cyclone Tracy crossed Darwin in the early hours of 25 December 1974 with gusts estimated at over 200 km/h, destroying most of the city and killing 66 people, many of them at sea. More than 20 vessels sank or were driven ashore in and around the harbour, and several of those wrecks now form a second, much more intact wreck trail beside the 1942 sites. During the storm she broke from her moorings, capsized and came to rest off Doctors Gully, where the old iron-ore loading wharf used to stand.
She lies upside down in about 15-16 m, canted at an angle because her cabin and trawling gear hold one side off the bottom. Large gorgonian fans have grown on the upturned hull, and there is plenty of other debris around the site from the ore wharf. The angle leaves gaps into the interior that trained wreck divers with a torch can look into, but the silt is easily disturbed and light penetration varies. Fish life is good for an inshore site: Moorish idols, coral trout and rock cod are regulars. DSAC describes it as an interesting dive close to shore and out of the weather, and that is its main value - it is often the fallback when south-easterlies or a sloppy sea make the outer harbour uncomfortable. It suits Open Water divers comfortable in low visibility, and works well as a short second dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bellbird is recorded as Wreck in Darwin Harbour. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 Bellbird 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 Bellbird 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
Gorgonian fans, sponges, Moorish idols, coral trout, rock cod (estuary cod), batfish, snapper
Location
Off Doctors Gully on the CBD waterfront, about 300 m from the Esplanade hotels, on the site of the old iron-ore wharf.
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
dsac.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.