Meet the site
The Buffalo is a Landing Vehicle Tracked, the tracked amphibious troop and cargo carrier used throughout the Second World War; about 18,500 were built in several versions. This one is 7.95 m long and weighs about 16.5 tonnes. It sank in 1970, and DSAC suggests it may have been used after the war to ferry people between the Mandorah ferry and the beach. It was found by Shaun Uden of Fish Darwin, who also located the C-47 Dakota.
The vehicle sits upright on a rocky outcrop in about 23 m and is virtually intact - the tracks, sponsons and open cargo well are all recognisable, which makes it an unusual subject in a harbour where most historic structure has been salvaged or buried. The outcrop adds a small area of reef with sponges and resident fish. It is a compact site, easily seen in one dive, and is usually dived by locals who want something different from the ship and aircraft wrecks. The East Point military museum (Darwin Military Museum) has a similar LVT on display in good condition, well worth seeing before or after the dive to understand what you are looking at. Suited to Advanced divers comfortable at 23 m in low visibility. The Buffalo also shows how the harbour's wreck record extends well beyond the two big disaster events: small craft lost in ordinary post-war use have become dive sites in their own right, and many more are known only to local fishers. Because the position is not published and the vehicle is small, visiting divers need to go with someone who holds the mark.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Buffalo LVT amphibious vehicle 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.
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 Buffalo LVT amphibious vehicle 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 Buffalo LVT amphibious vehicle 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
Sponges and soft corals on the outcrop, estuary cod, golden snapper, batfish, small reef fish
Location
Darwin Harbour on a rocky outcrop; thought to have been used to ferry people between the Mandorah ferry and the beach after the war. Exact position not published.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.