Meet the site
The SS Paterson was a 148-foot wooden steamer lost close to Cabbage Tree Bay near the Norah Head boat ramp on 11 June 1951, and today its remains lie scattered in a shallow, easily accessible 8-10 m within a short boat ride of the ramp. As a wooden-hulled vessel of this era, little of the original superstructure survives, and divers should expect a low-relief debris field of iron fittings, machinery components and scattered structural remains rather than an intact or even semi-intact hull — the kind of wreck that rewards a slow, careful search rather than a single obvious swim-through.The wreck's shallow depth and proximity to the ramp make it a straightforward, low-commitment dive, well suited to divers who want a taste of local wreck history without the depth and planning demands of the area's deeper colliers and steamers further offshore. Marine life uses the scattered structure much as it would any other patch of hard substrate on an otherwise sandy seabed, providing shelter for small reef fish and invertebrates. Because it sits so close to shore and to the boat ramp, it's an easy site to add as a short second dive after a morning spent on the deeper Norah Head bommies or Central Coast wrecks, rounding out a day trip without demanding much in the way of additional bottom-time budget. Its shallow profile also makes it a sensible venue for practising wreck-search and navigation techniques before attempting the area's deeper, more demanding wrecks.
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 Paterson wreck (Cabbage Tree Bay area) 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.
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 Paterson wreck (Cabbage Tree Bay area) 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 Paterson wreck (Cabbage Tree Bay area) 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
Small reef fish and invertebrates sheltering among scattered wreckage
Location
Wreck of a 148-foot wooden steamer lost on 11 June 1951 near Cabbage Tree Bay/Norah Head boat ramp, lying in 8-10 m.
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
centralcoastdivers.com.auterrigalunderwatergroup.comcoastmagazine.com.auprodive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.