Meet the site
The Bellubera was the longest-serving of the classic Manly ferries and the last of the Long Reef ferry wrecks to go down. Built at Mort's Dock, Woolwich, and launched on 26 April 1910, she was a 64 m (210 ft), 499-ton double-ended steamer that was converted to diesel-electric drive in 1935, one of the first such conversions in the world, and re-engined with English Electric units in 1954. A fire in 1936 killed three crew, and she had a reputation as a hard-working but unlucky ship. She made her last run to Manly on 29 November 1973 after 63 years and, stripped of engines and fittings, was scuttled off Long Reef on 1 August 1980. She broke in two on the way down and now lies east–west on her side in 45–46 m as two sections about 30 m apart. The eastern piece is the more rewarding: the bow is intact, the rudder assembly and propeller boss are visible, and the hull, though badly twisted on both sides, is open enough for simple, well-lit penetrations through the passenger spaces. The western section is a jumble of frames and plating. Because the highest point is only 41–42 m, the profile is a little more forgiving than the Dee Why, and locals describe it as a fairly easy deep wreck with some simple swim-throughs. Fish life is the best of the group: huge schools of nannygai fill the hull, and very large sergeant bakers sit on the plating. Visibility is often 7–15 m, lower than the outer wrecks because the site is closer to the Narrabeen shore. Traditional navigation marks align Bangalley Head with the ridge north of Broken Bay and the Bahai Temple between two houses, though GPS has replaced them. The Bellubera suits decompression divers who like fish and structure together, and it completes the trio of Manly ferries with the Dee Why and the shallower Baragoola story elsewhere; for ferry enthusiasts it is the most historic hull on the coast.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
MV Bellubera wreck is recorded as Wreck in Sydney Northern Beaches. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 MV Bellubera wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 MV Bellubera 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
Dense schools of nannygai, large sergeant baker, bullseyes, kingfish, Port Jackson sharks in winter, sponges and anemones
Location
Manly ferry of 1910 scuttled on 1 August 1980 at the northern end of the Long Reef artificial reef; lies on its side in two sections in 45–46 m.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infosydneydivecharters.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.