Meet the site
The ex-HMAS Hobart is one of Australia's great wreck dives and South Australia's premier boat dive. Launched in Michigan in 1964 and commissioned in Boston in 1965, the 133 m, 4,500-tonne Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer served the Royal Australian Navy for 35 years, including three Vietnam deployments – during one of which, in 1968, she was mistakenly struck by US aircraft and two sailors were killed. After decommissioning she was gifted to South Australia and prepared at Port Adelaide for scuttling: contaminants were removed, doors and hatches taken out, corridors widened, sharp protrusions removed and some entrances sealed, while keeping her character as a fighting ship. She was scuttled on 5 November 2002 in Yankalilla Bay. The ship sits upright on sand in 30 m, with her superstructure rising to within about 5-8 m of the surface and the main deck around 15 m. The bow rises like a knife toward the surface, the sonar dome sits near the seabed at 30 m, and the gun mounts and bridge remain. Large openings cut in the hull let in light and allow access to the interior, and the Hobart is the only artificially prepared naval wreck in Australia where divers can reach the engine room. Crew quarters with bunks, and even toilets, remain. More than two decades of growth have coated the hull in colourful sponges and algae, and the no-take sanctuary zone has produced a staggering variety of fish – bullseyes, snapper, flathead, blue devils (often inside), old wives and morwong. For 20 years divers needed a DEW permit, but the 550 m protected-zone permit requirement was removed in 2023; the 2025 code of conduct requires no permit for recreational divers and instead sets depth and penetration limits by certification. The Hobart rewards repeat visits and is best for Advanced divers and above; wreck-trained divers get the most from it.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ex-HMAS Hobart is recorded as Wreck in Fleurieu Peninsula & Victor Harbor. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Ex-HMAS Hobart 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 Ex-HMAS Hobart 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
Bullseyes, snapper, flathead, blue devilfish, old wives, morwong, magpie perch, leatherjackets, nudibranchs, colourful sponges, algae, ascidians
Location
133 m Charles F. Adams-class guided missile destroyer scuttled upright on 5 November 2002 in 30 m in Yankalilla Bay, about 8.9 km west-north-west of Marina St Vincent (Wirrina Cove), within the Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone.
Facilities nearby
Wirrina Cove / Marina St Vincent: boat ramp, fuel jetty, parking, toilets; charter boats typically have toilets, showers, drinking water, oxygen and shark shields.
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
cdn.environment.sa.gov.aumarineparks.sa.gov.audivernet.comdivernet.comenvironment.sa.gov.auen.wikipedia.orgdivedb.netenvironment.sa.gov.ausdfsa.netsdfsa.netthediveshack.com.aumarinelife.org.auadelaidescuba.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
