Meet the site
The Moorara is the youngest wreck on the Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail and a rare survivor of the Murray River trade. She was built in 1909 as a Murray River barge, about 34 m long, part of the fleet that carried wool and supplies along the river system. After the river trade declined she was converted into a small three-masted coastal freighter with engines, and for years she supplied the Aboriginal settlement on Wardang Island from Port Victoria and Point Pearce. On 25 August 1975 a sudden storm struck from the south-west and she sank on the sandy bottom between Wardang Island and Point Pearce. The Marine Life Society describes her as the most complete Murray River barge wreck in the state. She lies in only 3-4 m, and her wooden hull, two engines, a hatch and the collapsed deckhouse are still recognisable. Timber wrecks this intact are uncommon, and the Moorara gives divers a close look at the construction of the flat-bottomed river craft that opened up inland South Australia. Fish life is excellent for such a shallow site. The Society lists snapper, King George whiting, snook, garfish, dusky morwong, razorfish, silver drummer, blue swimmer crabs, cuttlefish, old wives and tommy ruff, and schools often shelter under the overhanging timbers. Being in the channel on the lee side of the island, the Moorara is more sheltered from south-westerly swell than the southern and western wrecks, so it is often diveable when they are not. Its depth makes it perfect for snorkellers, beginners and long, relaxed photography dives, and it combines naturally with the nearby Songvaar.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Moorara Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Yorke Peninsula. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Moorara Wreck 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 Moorara 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
Snapper, King George whiting, snook, garfish, dusky morwong, razorfish, silver drummer, blue swimmer crabs, cuttlefish, old wives, tommy ruff
Location
Wooden former Murray River barge, later a three-masted coastal freighter supplying Wardang Island, sunk in a sudden storm in 1975 in 3-4 m between Wardang Island and Point Pearce.
Facilities nearby
Port Victoria ramp, kiosk with air fills, Maritime Museum.
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
environment.sa.gov.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.