Meet the site
The tug Melbourne is the centrepiece of Curtin Artificial Reef. Divernet describes her as a 35 m tugboat located centrally on the reef, and she acts as the natural hub for divers exploring the main cluster of wrecks, most of which lie close enough to swim between on a single slack-water dive. The Lady Norman lies about 50 m to her west. A tug's compact, heavily built hull makes a good artificial reef: the towing deck, bollards and superstructure provide plenty of ledges and openings, and decades of growth have covered them in sponges, soft corals and hydroids. Around her, divers see the reef's signature Queensland groupers, schools of sweetlips, butterflyfish and fusiliers, trevally and barracuda cruising above, and wobbegongs and stingrays on the sand. Nudibranchs, lionfish and scorpionfish are common on the hull, and frogfish and ghostpipefish have been recorded on the reef. As with all Curtin sites, the tide dictates the dive. Plan to be in the water on the high-tide slack, roughly 30-60 minutes after high water, when the current eases and the incoming water is at its clearest. Watch for stinging hydroids, discarded fishing line and scorpionfish, and enter the structure only with wreck training. For a first Curtin dive, the Melbourne is a sensible starting point: it gives an easy reference, a good cross-section of the reef's marine life and quick access to the neighbouring wrecks. Details of her working history and sinking date have not been widely published. Nitrox helps extend time on the deeper parts of the cluster.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tug Melbourne (Curtin Artificial Reef) is recorded as Wreck in Brisbane & Moreton Bay. 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.
- 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 Tug Melbourne (Curtin Artificial Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Tug Melbourne (Curtin Artificial 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
Queensland groupers, sweetlips, butterflyfish, fusiliers, trevally, barracuda, wobbegongs, stingrays, lionfish, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, ghostpipefish
Location
35 m tugboat at the centre of Curtin Artificial Reef, the hub of the main wreck cluster.
Facilities nearby
Departure facilities at Manly Boat Harbour or Scarborough.
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
divernet.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.