Meet the site
The SS Oakland was a 154-foot collier that sank off Port Stephens in 1903, and more than a century later her wreck at 27 metres has become a reliable, moderately deep dive valued as much for the marine life it now supports as for any dramatic intact structure. Large schools of baitfish are a defining feature of a dive here, using the wreck's remains as shelter and attracting bream and leatherjacket that in turn shelter among the structure themselves, creating a genuinely busy, fish-rich scene that rewards divers who spend time simply watching the water column around the wreck rather than focusing purely on the steel itself. As with many century-old colliers, the Oakland's structure has degraded significantly since her loss, and divers should not expect the kind of clearly defined bow-to-stern layout seen on more recent or more robustly built wrecks — the emphasis here is on the wreck as an artificial reef supporting abundant fish life rather than as a historical structure to explore in detail. The depth of 27 metres puts it within reach of advanced open-water divers with reasonable experience, though it exceeds what is appropriate for newly certified divers, and the site is generally only offered as part of a dedicated wreck-diving charter rather than a standard daily trip. Divers with a specific interest in Port Stephens' wreck history, or simply wanting a change from the area's reef and island sites, will find the Oakland a worthwhile, if unglamorous, addition to a longer Nelson Bay diving stay.
What you might see
Large baitfish schools, bream, leatherjacket, general wreck-associated reef fish
Location
A 154-foot collier sunk in 1903 off Port Stephens, sitting at 27 m with large baitfish schools and shelter for bream and leatherjacket.
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 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.