Meet the site
The Tambaroora was a 356-ton steamer that ran aground on Polmaise Reef, near Masthead Island, in 1879. Its remains lie in about 8 m of water on the reef, where more than a century of storms has broken the vessel down into scattered wreckage now largely overgrown by coral and algae. The Marine Life Network lists the site with visibility of about 10 m and a fish population that includes damselfish, bream, coral trout, sweetlips and pufferfish, with wobbegongs and tawny nurse sharks resting under the plates and bass sheltering in the structure. The wreckage provides shelter on an otherwise flat reef area, which concentrates the fish. Because it is shallow, the wreck makes a relaxed dive or snorkel in calm weather and a good second dive after the nearby Polmaise Bommies. There is little recognisable structure left, so the interest lies in picking out pieces of machinery and hull among the coral and in the resident fish and sharks. As a historic shipwreck more than 75 years old, the Tambaroora is protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018: nothing may be removed or disturbed. The site suits Open Water divers and snorkellers with access to a private boat, and it is one of several historic wrecks in the Capricorn Group, alongside the SS Cooma on North Reef. The shallow depth also gives long bottom times and bright natural light for photographing the coral growth that has turned the wreckage into a small reef of its own. Watch for small blennies and gobies living in the corroded plates.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tambaroora Wreck (Polmaise Reef) is recorded as Wreck in Heron Island & Capricorn Group. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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 Tambaroora Wreck (Polmaise Reef) 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 Tambaroora Wreck (Polmaise Reef) 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
Damselfish, bream, coral trout, sweetlips, pufferfish, wobbegongs, tawny nurse sharks, bass, corals and algae on wreckage
Location
Remains of the 356-ton steamer Tambaroora, which ran aground on Polmaise Reef near Masthead Island in 1879, lying in about 8 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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.