Meet the site
The Troy D is Tasmania's only purpose-scuttled dive wreck on the east coast. According to The Examiner, the 1000-tonne coastal trader was deliberately sunk in 2007, about two kilometres off Maria Island, at an estimated cost of $1 million. Wikipedia places it 1.7 km west-south-west of the Painted Cliffs, outside the marine section of the national park. Discover Tasmania lists it as a feature of Maria Island diving and mentions cuttlefish on the wreck, and the Spirit of Tasmania guide says divers can explore the engine room and bridge.
The project has not been a success as a tourism attraction. In 2016 East Coast Tourism's chief executive told The Examiner that the Troy D had been sunk far too deep for anyone but skilled divers to reach, that it had received no marketing and that nobody had much to do with it because of its limited commercial opportunities. It remains rarely dived, although Go Dive Tasmania has published video of a dive on it.
Reliable published depths are hard to find: one aggregator claims 27 m, while the Examiner comments imply the wreck is beyond comfortable recreational limits. Divers should obtain a depth from a sounder on the day and plan accordingly. Expect a steel hull colonised by sponges, ascidians and weed, with schools of fish, cuttlefish and possibly seals from the Maria Island colonies.
The Troy D suits experienced wreck divers with deep training and their own boat or a club trip. It is an interesting site for its rarity and potential, but not a beginner dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Troy D is recorded as Artificial Reef in Tasmania East Coast. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Troy D suitable for my certification?
The record lists Wreck specialty recommended. 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 Troy D 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
Cuttlefish, schooling fish, sponges, ascidians, encrusting growth; Australian fur seals possible
Location
A 1000-tonne former coastal trader scuttled in 2007 about 1.7 km west-south-west of the Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, outside the marine section of the national park.
Facilities nearby
Darlington: toilets, showers at the Penitentiary accommodation, campground, ranger station, no shop or air fills. Triabunna: ramp, fuel, supermarket, cafes. Nearest air fills in Hobart.
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
examiner.com.auen.wikipedia.orgdiscovertasmania.com.auspiritoftasmania.com.autsdc.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.