Meet the site
The SS Kiama was a working coastal collier - a 'sixty-miler' of the kind that shuttled coal between Newcastle and Sydney almost like clockwork. Pro Dive Central Coast describes her as a reliable, profitable workhorse whose loss hit local families, because the crew were well-known coast residents. Muddy Puddle Diver records her as built in 1921 in Yorkshire, a steel steamer of 51.2 m, and she sank on 19 January 1951 on a voyage from Newcastle to Sydney with coal. Caught in a storm off The Entrance bommies, her crew fought to save her, but COAST Magazine records that her cargo shifted and she capsized; six of the twelve crew survived. She lies in about 45-47 m. Pro Dive notes that the most prominent features are the large boiler and the engine lying off to the port side, and that artefacts are still discoverable around the site; the Marine Life Network likewise describes the boiler and the engine lying on its side. As the hull has deteriorated, the machinery stands out on the sand with plating and frames around it, providing structure for fish and encrusting growth. Fish life is typical of the region's deep wrecks: schools of yellowtail and bullseyes around the boiler and engine, wobbegongs among the plates, and passing kingfish and nannygai. Sponges and small gorgonians grow on the upper surfaces. Pro Dive is clear that this is a dive for experienced deep divers. At 45 m-plus, decompression is unavoidable for a useful bottom time and narcosis on air is significant, so trimix and technical training are the sensible approach. The Kiama is one of seven or eight wrecks between Norah Head and Broken Bay reachable from Terrigal, and a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by the sixty-miler crews well into the 1950s.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
SS Kiama wreck is recorded as Wreck in Central Coast. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 SS Kiama 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 SS Kiama 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
Yellowtail, bullseyes, wobbegong sharks, kingfish, nannygai, sponges, small gorgonians
Location
A steel coastal collier lost in a storm in January 1951, lying in about 45-47 m off The Entrance bommies / Toowoon Bay.
Facilities nearby
Departs Terrigal Haven (paid parking, toilets, kiosk, dive shop) or Norah Head ramp.
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
prodivecentralcoast.com.aumichaelmcfadyenscuba.infomuddypuddlediver.comterrigalunderwatergroup.commarinelife.org.aucoastmagazine.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.