Meet the site
The Singapore was a 964-ton steamer wrecked in January 1877 at what is now called Singapore Rock, off Keswick Island in the South Cumberland group north-east of Mackay. The Marine Life Network records that the wreck structure is 'still relatively large' and is covered in coral growth, making it one of the more substantial historic wrecks accessible in the Mackay region. After nearly 150 years, the timber has gone and the iron remains have been absorbed into the reef, so divers see coral-encrusted plates, frames and machinery rather than a recognisable ship. Fish use the structure as shelter: turtles, barracuda and rays are listed, together with the reef fish typical of the Cumberland Islands – coral trout, sweetlips, damsels, wrasse and parrotfish. The site is within a Marine Park green zone, so it is protected from fishing. Conditions are the main consideration. Mackay's huge tidal range drives strong currents around the islands, and visibility is best at slack water on neap tides. Keswick is reached by the island ferry or private boat from Mackay, and there is no dive shop on the island, so divers must bring all gear and fills. Precise coordinates and depths for the wreck are not published in the sources reviewed, and historic wreck protection should be assumed – look but do not touch or remove anything. Divers combining it with Keswick's shore dives should plan the wreck for the neap-tide slack and leave the sheltered bays for the tidal periods in between.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Singapore Wreck (Keswick Island) is recorded as Wreck in Mackay. 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.
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 Singapore Wreck (Keswick Island) 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 Singapore Wreck (Keswick Island) 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
Turtles, barracuda, rays, coral trout, sweetlips, reef fish, hard corals
Location
Coral-covered remains of the steamer Singapore, wrecked in January 1877 at Singapore Rock off Keswick Island.
Facilities nearby
Mackay Marina and Mackay Harbour boat ramps (fuel, parking, cafes); Keswick Island has holiday houses and limited services; St Bees has a small private homestead area only. Air fills in Mackay.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.