Meet the site
The two smaller Stanvac barges are part of the same 1954 artificial reef as the Saurian but are far enough away to need their own dive. The Marine Life Network describes them as two barges of about 71 x 49 ft (roughly 22 x 15 m), lying 33 m apart about 100 m north-east of the Saurian, oriented north-east to south-west on a sandy bottom. Wikivoyage lists them separately as Stanvac Barge 1 and Stanvac Barge 2, and the Dive Shack notes that the barges are quite spread out and recommends multiple dives. After 70 years on the seabed, the barges are heavily colonised by sponges, ascidians and other invertebrates and concentrate fish in large numbers. Old wives, pike, strongfish, gurnard, flathead, bullseyes, blue devils, morwong, perch and cuttlefish are all listed for the Stanvac barges, and hammerhead sharks have been seen at the surface on calm days. Because the two barges are only 33 m apart, a compact dive can take in both if conditions and gas allow, making this a slightly more efficient dive than the Saurian alone. The same constraints apply: depth of 28-30 m, short no-decompression limits on air, and potential current. Nitrox and a shot line are strongly recommended. This site suits experienced Advanced or Deep divers who have already dived the Saurian and want to complete the set. It is rarely visited, so fish are unwary and growth undisturbed. Nitrox makes a real difference to bottom time here, and a reel helps if you move between the two hulls.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stanvac Barges 1 & 2 (small barges) is recorded as Wreck in Adelaide Metro. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Stanvac Barges 1 & 2 (small barges) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 Stanvac Barges 1 & 2 (small barges) 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
Old wives, pike, strongfish, gurnard, flathead, bullseyes, blue devilfish, morwong, perch, cuttlefish, hammerhead sharks (occasional), sponges, ascidians
Location
The two smaller barges of the 1954 Stanvac artificial reef, each about 22 x 15 m, lying 33 m apart about 100 m north-east of the Saurian in 28-30 m.
Facilities nearby
O'Sullivan Beach boat 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
marinelife.org.auen.wikivoyage.orgthediveshack.com.auseawolves.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.