Meet the site
The Colonist was a wooden schooner of about 105 tons, roughly 23–24 m (76–78 ft) long with a 6 m beam, built in 1861. She had an eventful career: on 22 May 1870 she struck Elizabeth Reef, about 550 km off the NSW coast, but was refloated and brought back to Sydney in March 1871. Her end came in Sydney Harbour on 1 March 1890, when she sank after a collision with the steamer Adelaide. Because she lay in the harbour's main shipping channel, the wreck was blown apart with dynamite in April 1890 to clear the fairway, and for more than a century her exact position was lost. Maritime archaeologists relocated the site on 13 May 2013 in about 20 m between Bradleys Head and Garden Island. What remains is the outline of the hull traced by the Muntz metal sheathing that once protected the timber below the waterline, and a pile of basalt – part of her final cargo. It is protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018. Divers interested in Sydney Harbour wrecks can instead visit sites such as the Centennial in Taylors Bay, which is diveable with care. The Colonist's value is historical: a well-documented example of a small colonial trading schooner whose loss and deliberate demolition reflect the harbour's working past.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Colonist wreck (Sydney Harbour) is recorded as Wreck in Sydney Harbour. 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 Colonist wreck (Sydney Harbour) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Wreck specialty recommended. 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 Colonist wreck (Sydney Harbour) 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
Silt-tolerant harbour species; sparse growth on basalt ballast (not documented)
Location
Remains of the 1861 wooden schooner Colonist, sunk after a collision in Sydney Harbour in 1890 and later blown up; lies in about 20 m in the main shipping channel between Bradleys Head and Garden Island.
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
en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.