Meet the site
The SS New Guinea was built by W. Doxford and Sons at Sunderland and launched on 7 October 1884: an iron, single-screw steamer of 2,674 tons, 300 feet long and 40 feet wide, with a 260 hp compound engine and two masts. Built for McIlwraith, McEacharn and Company of Melbourne, she worked on the London–Australia run and later the Australian coast. On 13 February 1911, under charter to Huddart Parker on a voyage from Melbourne to Sydney, she ran into dense fog near Green Cape and at 11.50 am went aground exactly 1.25 km west of the lighthouse. The engine was put astern, but too late; the engine room and bow flooded, and the 28 crew took to the boats, eventually reaching Eden. Within two days she had broken up. A Marine Court of Inquiry found Captain Coleman at fault for being too close inshore at full speed in thick fog. In the 1960s salvors used explosives on the wreck, and it was also heavily 'ratted'.
Today the wreck lies in less than 10 m, mostly between two ridges that run from the cliff into the sea. McFadyen describes the keel and large sections of hull still intact with plating and supports everywhere. Among the most interesting items are two huge detachable propeller blades, carried as cargo and bolted together for storage, and dozens of square lead ingots with central holes. Boiler pieces are scattered through the area. The prop shaft runs west over the next ridge past three more cargo blades to a large bearing and on to the ship's own four-bladed propeller, all its blades snapped off at the stubs – consistent with the engine going astern as she struck. The Marine Life Network calls it a very interesting jumble of iron.
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 New Guinea is recorded as Wreck in Eden & Green Cape. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 New Guinea 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 SS New Guinea 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
Kelp, blue groper, drummer, sweep, wrasse, leatherjackets, sponges
Location
Iron steamer wrecked in fog on 13 February 1911 exactly 1.25 km west of Green Cape lighthouse; keel, hull sections, prop shaft, broken propeller and cargo propeller blades in under 10 m.
Facilities nearby
None at the site; nearest ramps Wonboyn Lake or Eden.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infomarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.