Meet the site
The aircraft are the most photographed part of the Cochrane Artificial Reef. Marinelife.org.au and Tourism Queensland list two Mohawk aircraft and a King Air among the structures sunk here, and GoodDive records the 'Two Mohawks' site as sitting in 16-18 m, placed in 1996. The Mohawk was a twin-turboprop military observation aircraft; a pair of retired airframes were stripped and sunk to create habitat and a novelty for divers, with the smaller civilian King Air added later.
Aircraft on sand make excellent dives because they are compact enough to see completely, with recognisable shapes – wings, engine nacelles, tails and cockpits – that give a wide-angle photographer something to work with even in modest visibility. They are now covered in sponges and small corals and have become home to fish. GoodDive mentions grouper, turtles and large rays at the Mohawks, and the Cochrane reef as a whole is known for friendly estuary cod and a resident Queensland groper family.
The depth sits at the edge of Open Water limits, so Open Water divers need to watch their gauges; Advanced divers with nitrox will get a comfortable 40 minutes. Visibility is the key variable – on a clear winter day with 12 m or more, the aircraft are superb; after rain they can be ghostly shapes in green water.
It suits photographers, aviation enthusiasts and divers who want something different from the barges. Treat the airframes gently: thin aluminium skin is easily damaged, and fishing line tends to snag on the tail surfaces.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Mohawk and King Air Aircraft (Cochrane Artificial Reef) is recorded as Aircraft Wreck in Bundaberg & Agnes Water. 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.
- 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.
- 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 Mohawk and King Air Aircraft (Cochrane Artificial Reef) 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 Mohawk and King Air Aircraft (Cochrane Artificial Reef) 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
Grouper, estuary cod, turtles, large stingrays, reef fish, sponges and small corals
Location
Two ex-military Grumman Mohawk aircraft and a Beechcraft King Air sunk as dive attractions on the Cochrane Artificial Reef, in 16-18 m on sand.
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
gooddive.commarinelife.org.auqueensland.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.