Meet the site
The Star of Greece is South Australia's best-known shore-accessible historic wreck. She was an iron three-masted ship of 1,227 tons built in Belfast in 1868, about 70 m long, and was lying at anchor off Port Willunga laden with wheat when a winter gale drove her ashore on 13 July 1888. She broke up within sight of the beach, and 17 of her 27 crew died, partly because rescue was slow to arrive. The victims are commemorated by a mass headstone in the Aldinga cemetery, and the wreck remains a significant local story. Today the remains lie about 200 m offshore in 2-6 m, beside Port Willunga Reef. Much of the ship is covered by sand, and how much can be seen changes with the weather: summer usually uncovers more, winter storms bury it. When exposed, the wreck appears as a jumble of broken iron plate and frames, with a section of mast visible at low tide. Diving Adelaide notes that large schools of fish and many crabs cluster around the remains, making it easy to identify once found. The adjacent reef adds interest, with small fish, crabs and some uncommon nudibranchs. Marine life on the wreck itself is modest, but the combination of history, shallow water and easy access makes this a classic snorkel and a relaxed dive for new divers. The Star of Greece is a protected historic shipwreck: look, photograph and leave everything in place. Pick a calm summer day at low tide, and finish with a visit to the Star of Greece cafe on the cliff above, which overlooks the site.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Star of Greece Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Fleurieu Peninsula & Victor Harbor. The listed access is shore or 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- 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 Star of Greece Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Star of Greece 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
Schools of small fish, crabs, nudibranchs (on adjacent reef), old wives, magpie perch, sweep, leatherjackets
Location
Remains of the iron three-masted ship Star of Greece, wrecked in a storm in 1888, lying in 2-6 m about 200 m off Port Willunga beach north of the car park, beside Port Willunga Reef.
Facilities nearby
Sandy car park at the bottom of Star of Greece Road; Star of Greece cafe/restaurant on the cliff; limited toilets; Aldinga and Willunga shops nearby; nearest air fills in Adelaide.
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
divingadelaide.com.authediveshack.com.ausdfsa.netmarinelife.org.auen.wikivoyage.orgdivedb.neten.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
