Meet the site
The SS Macleay was a collier similar in type and purpose to the nearby Oakland wreck, lost off Port Stephens in 1911 and today resting at a genuinely challenging 42 metres, a depth that places this firmly in advanced and near-technical diving territory rather than standard recreational range. Unlike the more thoroughly collapsed Oakland, the Macleay's engine and boiler have survived in relatively good condition, giving divers a clearer sense of the vessel's mechanical layout than is often possible on century-old, badly degraded colliers, and these substantial iron and steel components form the main structural highlight of the dive. Marine life here leans toward larger, deeper-water species that favour the wreck's scale and the surrounding open sand: mulloway and morwong are both present in good numbers, taking advantage of the shelter and the baitfish activity the structure attracts, similar in principle to the Oakland but at a depth that limits accessibility to a smaller pool of qualified divers. Visibility here can be more variable than at the region's shallower sites, adding a further layer of challenge to what is already a depth-limited, short-bottom-time dive. Given the 42-metre depth, this is a dive for genuinely experienced, ideally nitrox or technically trained divers with a specific interest in Port Stephens' deeper wreck history, and it is offered only occasionally rather than as part of any standard charter schedule — anyone planning a visit specifically for this wreck should contact a Nelson Bay operator well in advance to confirm it can be arranged.
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 Macleay wreck is recorded as Wreck in Port Stephens. 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.
- 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 Macleay 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 Macleay 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
Mulloway, morwong, general deep-wreck-associated fish
Location
A collier similar to the Oakland, sunk in 1911 off Port Stephens, sitting at 42 m with an engine and boiler in relatively good condition and a strong mulloway and morwong population.
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
mudgeediveandtravel.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.