Meet the site
The PS Commodore is a paddlewheel tug from the era when paddle tugs towed sailing colliers in and out of Newcastle's harbour. Grey Nurse Charters records that she was built in 1878 at South Shields, England, and scuttled in 36 m off Newcastle on 8 September 1931, just days after the Irresistible and a few weeks before the Osprey. Her resting place has not been kind to her. She lies in the ship anchorage off Newcastle, where dozens of bulk carriers wait to load coal, and Grey Nurse Charters notes that she has been damaged by coal ships anchoring on her. Even so, many recognisable parts remain, including the remains of a paddlewheel - an unusual feature to see on a scuttled tug, and the highlight of the dive. The surrounding seabed is sand, so the wreck forms an island of structure. Grey Nurse Charters describes abundant fish life. Deep wrecks off Newcastle typically attract yellowtail and bullseyes, nannygai, leatherjackets and wobbegongs, and at this depth sponges and small gorgonians grow on the ironwork. At 36 m, air no-decompression time is short and nitrox is useful; the dive suits Deep-certified divers with experience. It is less often dived than the shallower Irresistible, partly because of depth and partly because of the ship anchorage, but for wreck enthusiasts it offers the rare chance to see the paddlewheel of a nineteenth-century tug on the seabed. Because coal ships use the anchorage around the clock, check port movements with the skipper before the dive and keep the surface party alert for approaching vessels and anchor chains during the ascent.
What you might see
Yellowtail, bullseyes, nannygai, leatherjackets, wobbegong sharks, sponges, small gorgonians
Location
An 1878 South Shields-built paddlewheel tug scuttled off Newcastle in 1931, lying on sand in about 36 m, damaged by coal-ship anchors but with a paddlewheel still recognisable.
Facilities nearby
Departs Newcastle Harbour ramps: parking, toilets.
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
greynurse.com.augreynurse.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.