Meet the site
The Tangalooma Wrecks are the most famous snorkel site in South East Queensland and a very good shallow dive. Between 1963 and 1984 the Queensland Government scuttled 15 vessels in a line just north of what is now Tangalooma Island Resort to create a safe anchorage for recreational boats on the eastern side of Moreton Bay – five in 1963, five in the 1970s and five in the 1980s. Most are old Harbours and Marine Department steam dredges and barges, including the Maryborough (built in 1885 and in service for about 80 years), the bucket dredge Platypus II and the Prussian-built suction dredge Remora, alongside the Uki, Bream, Seal, Dolphin, Morwong, Kookaburra, Bermagui, Iceberg, Echeneis, Pelican, Groper and Stingaree. Many hulls sit half out of the water, so from the surface they look like a row of rusting ships, while underneath they form walls of steel, large propellers and overhangs in water no deeper than about 12 m. The resort reports more than 100 fish species. Snorkellers see clouds of baitfish, trevally, kingfish, yellowtail and bream around the hulls, with coral and sponge growth colouring the steel. Divers exploring the seaward side find wobbegong sharks under the hulls, moray eels, lionfish and stonefish, and there are swim-throughs beneath some of the vessels for experienced divers. Dolphins, turtles and dugongs are occasionally seen in the area, and cormorants hunt among the wrecks alongside divers. Because the site is sheltered by the island it is often diveable when the ocean coast is not, and it is ideal for snorkellers, children, new divers and photographers. The main precautions are the tidal current and the boat and jet-ski traffic between the wrecks and the beach.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tangalooma Wrecks is recorded as Wreck in Brisbane & Moreton Bay. 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.
- 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.
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 Tangalooma Wrecks 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 Tangalooma Wrecks 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
Baitfish schools, trevally, kingfish, yellowtail, bream, wobbegongs, moray eels, lionfish, stonefish, turtles, dugongs (occasional), dolphins, cormorants, corals and sponges on hulls
Location
Fifteen dredges, barges and other vessels scuttled between 1963 and 1984 just north of Tangalooma Island Resort on the western side of Moreton Island, forming a sheltered anchorage.
Facilities nearby
Tangalooma Island Resort: dive shop (hire, air, courses, tours), cafes, toilets and showers; MICAT barge landing nearby; QPWS camping on the island.
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
tangalooma.comwherewildthingsroam.commarinelife.org.ausupercatcharters.com.aunigelmarshphotography.commyfavouriteescapes.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.