Meet the site
The Ceratodus II is the largest single structure on the Cochrane Artificial Reef. Tourism Queensland describes it as a 50 m vessel, and GoodDive lists it as a 164-foot barge placed in 1992, lying in 10-20 m – making it one of the first structures sunk on the reef and the most established in terms of marine growth. Marinelife.org.au lists a 50 m dredge and Ceratodus II as separate items, so the terminology varies between sources.
After three decades on the bottom, the hull is covered with sponges, soft corals and algae, and its height above the sand gives the reef much of its vertical relief. That relief is why it attracts schooling fish: GoodDive notes large schools of baitfish, tuna and barracuda over the wreck, and it is a likely place to meet the resident estuary cod and Queensland gropers that Tourism Queensland highlights at Cochrane. Wobbegongs rest in the lee of the hull, turtles feed on the growth, and stingrays lie in the scour along the sand line.
The structure is best enjoyed from the outside. At 50 m long it takes most of a dive to see properly at a relaxed pace, with the deck at a comfortable depth for Open Water divers and the sand line deep enough that Advanced divers will appreciate nitrox. There is no designed penetration and the barge is ageing, so stay out of enclosed spaces.
It suits divers who want a proper wreck dive close to Bundaberg without the long run to the Tobruk or the Karma. Pair it with one of the aircraft for the second dive to see the variety of the Cochrane reef.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ceratodus II (Cochrane Artificial Reef) 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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.
- 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 Ceratodus II (Cochrane Artificial Reef) 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 Ceratodus II (Cochrane Artificial Reef) 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, tuna, barracuda, estuary cod, Queensland groper, wobbegongs, turtles, stingrays, sponges, soft corals
Location
Roughly 50 m barge scuttled in 1992 as one of the first and largest structures on the Cochrane Artificial Reef off Bargara.
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
gooddive.comqueensland.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.