Meet the site
The Ellengowan is the oldest known shipwreck in Darwin Harbour and has an unusual history for a small steamer. She was built as the Nokken by Akers Mekaniske Verksted in Christiania (Oslo), Norway, in 1866. The London Missionary Society bought her in 1874 and renamed her after the estate of her benefactor, Miss Baxter; under the Reverend Samuel Macfarlane she supported missionary work in New Guinea and became the first European vessel to steam up the Fly and Baxter rivers. In 1881 she was sold to the Palmerston Plantation Company in the Northern Territory. She struck a sandbar in the Daly River and sank, was refloated in 1885, but was so poorly repaired that she was unseaworthy, and on the night of 27 April 1888 she sank, unmanned, at her mooring off Channel Island.
The wreck, 79 ft (24 m) long and 58 gross tons, lies in about 14 m and stands about 3 m off the harbour floor. It was found in 1991 by local divers Rob Williamson, Phil Franklin, Peter Watkins and Greg Freeman and verified by NT archaeologists in 1994. She lists to starboard and is half buried in mud amidships, with the boiler still prominent and surrounded by hull plating and debris. It is a modest site visually but a significant one historically, linking Darwin to the missionary and plantation eras of the 1870s-80s. It suits divers interested in maritime archaeology who can manage the murky southern-harbour water. Because the southern arms are far from the usual charter routes, it is normally visited only on DSAC outings, and it is worth combining with a look at the Channel Island area's mangrove-lined shoreline from the boat. Treat the wreck gently - iron plating that has survived since 1888 is fragile.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ellengowan 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.
- 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 Ellengowan 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 Ellengowan 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, golden snapper, batfish, mangrove jack, small reef fish, sponges and oysters on the plating
Location
Between Wickham Point and Channel Island in the southern reaches of Darwin Harbour, where the steamer sank at her mooring in 1888.
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.auen.wikipedia.orgnt.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.