Meet the site
HMAS Warrnambool was a Bathurst-class corvette, 57 m long, that served through World War II and earned battle honours for Darwin 1942, the Pacific 1942–45 and New Guinea 1942. After the war she was engaged in clearing the mines laid across the approaches to northern Australia. On 13 September 1947, while sweeping near Cockburn Reef off northern Queensland, she struck a mine and sank, according to Wikipedia; four sailors were killed and 29 injured. She remains the only Royal Australian Navy ship sunk by a mine. The wreck lies in about 25 m of water. Marine Life Network's Torres Strait page describes it resting on its port side with military artefacts in place, calling it one of the few intact warship wrecks in Australian waters. A 2016 Royal Australian Navy hydrographic survey by HMAS Mermaid, reported by Maritime Executive, found the wreck remarkably well preserved after 69 years and home to marine life. The wreck was sold to a salvage company in 1972, but the survey shows it remains largely intact. There is no regular dive operator. The site is remote – off the northern tip of Cape York – and is not on the scheduled far-northern liveaboard itineraries. Anyone contemplating a dive would need a private expedition, and should check its heritage status: as a naval vessel sunk more than 75 years ago, it is covered by the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018, which protects wrecks over 75 years old; a permit is needed to disturb it, and navy war graves considerations apply given the loss of life. The possibility of unexploded ordnance from the minesweeping operation and the ship's own armament cannot be ruled out. For wreck enthusiasts, Warrnambool is an intact WWII-era warship in clear tropical water – but one of the hardest wrecks in Australia to reach.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
HMAS Warrnambool wreck is recorded as Wreck in Far Northern Reef & Torres Strait. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- 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 HMAS Warrnambool wreck 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 HMAS Warrnambool 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
Reef fish and encrusting marine life on the hull (details not published)
Location
The wreck of the Bathurst-class corvette HMAS Warrnambool, sunk by a mine in 1947 near Cockburn Reef off northern Cape York, in about 25 m of water.
Facilities nearby
None – expedition liveaboard only (Spoilsport/Spirit of Freedom provide air, nitrox, meals, cabins).
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.orgmaritime-executive.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.