Meet the site
The Cetacea is a small wreck with a big reputation. A 13 m fishing trawler that sank in 1992, she lies in about 30 m on open sand roughly 11 km from the 1770 bar – the closest of the 1770 wrecks to port. Marinelife.org.au describes her as 'absolutely teeming with fish', and marine biologist Dave Harasti named her his favourite wreck, recording 'at least 40 estuary cod' living around a hull only 13 m long.
Alongside the cod, divers see Queensland gropers, giant cobia, bull rays and leopard rays. Over three decades the hull has accumulated soft corals, sponges and algae, turning a plain working boat into a dense little reef on otherwise featureless sand. The small size means you can see the whole wreck several times over in one dive, so the experience is about the density of large fish rather than exploration.
Depth is the main consideration: at 30 m, bottom time is limited on air and the dive suits Advanced divers with deep experience; nitrox extends it. There is no penetration of note on a vessel this size. Because the wreck is small and isolated, accurate GPS is needed to find it, and some current can be expected – dive at slack water.
The Cetacea is not visited by any scheduled operator; divers reach it on private boats or technical/charter trips from 1770. It makes a good pairing with the Karma or with the reef trips that run from 1770 to Lady Musgrave and Fitzroy reefs, for divers who want to see what a small, undisturbed wreck in rich water can hold.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cetacea 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Cetacea Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Cetacea 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
Estuary cod (40+), Queensland groper, giant cobia, bull rays, leopard rays, soft corals, sponges
Location
13 m fishing trawler sunk in 1992 in about 30 m on sand 11.4 km from the 1770 bar.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Seventeen Seventy boat ramp (Round Hill Creek)
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.audaveharasti.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.