Meet the site
The SS Irresistible was one of the steam tugs that served Newcastle's busy coal port. Grey Nurse Charters records that she was built in London in 1883, worked for J & W Brown, the Newcastle towage company, and was scuttled on 27 August 1931 - one of several old tugs disposed of off Newcastle that year, along with the Commodore and the Osprey. She now lies in about 26 m in Stockton Bight, past North Reef; the nearby reef called The Limestones is described as being near the Irresistible wreck. The wreck sits upright on sand. Grey Nurse Charters describes a large boiler separated by sand from the engine and propeller shaft, and a forward section - so the hull has partly collapsed and the machinery is the main structure. For a tug, the boiler is big and dominates the site, and the engine and shaft make a clear line toward the stern. As an isolated structure on sand, the Irresistible attracts wobbegongs and reef fish; yellowtail, bullseyes, leatherjackets and morwong are typical, and encrusting growth covers the metal. Because Newcastle visibility varies with the Hunter outflow, the best days follow dry weather and coincide with high tide. At 26 m the dive suits Advanced divers, and the compact layout means the whole wreck can be seen in one dive. It is a good introduction to the Newcastle tug wrecks, which progress from the Irresistible to the deeper Commodore (36 m) and Osprey (42 m), and it pairs with The Limestones reef nearby.
What you might see
Wobbegong sharks, yellowtail, bullseyes, leatherjackets, morwong, encrusting invertebrates
Location
An 1883 London-built tug scuttled in 1931, sitting upright on sand in about 26 m in Stockton Bight, past North Reef, near The Limestones.
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.augreynurse.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.