Meet the site
The FV Miss Shoalhaven is a timber trawler that sank in 1988 and now rests in about 33 m in the Keppel Bay area, around 6 nautical miles from the FV Linda Jane. Like its neighbour, it is a site for local divers with their own boats rather than a regular charter destination. Being wooden, the hull has deteriorated more quickly than a steel wreck would, but what remains forms a reef on the sandy bottom that attracts large numbers of fish. Local accounts describe the wreck as covered in barracuda, with red jewfish, eagle rays, leopard rays and bull rays around it, and banded sea snakes foraging in the timbers. Visibility of around 20 m is possible, although the site is tide-affected and can be much murkier. The circumstances of the sinking, the vessel's length and its original port are not documented in accessible sources. The name suggests a link to the Shoalhaven district of New South Wales, but this is not confirmed. At 33 m, the Miss Shoalhaven requires good deep-diving skills and a careful plan. Penetration of a decaying timber hull is not advisable: panels and frames may collapse, and old nets or lines may snag divers. It suits experienced divers who want a quieter, fish-rich wreck and have access to the position. Combine it with the Linda Jane if both slack-water windows can be worked on the same day.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
FV Miss Shoalhaven Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Capricorn Coast & Keppel Islands. 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.
- 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 FV Miss Shoalhaven 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 FV Miss Shoalhaven 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
Barracuda, red jewfish, eagle rays, leopard rays, bull rays, banded sea snakes, groper, schooling baitfish
Location
A timber trawler sunk in 1988, lying in about 33 m roughly 6 nautical miles from the Linda Jane in the Keppel Bay area; covered in barracuda, jewfish and rays.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.