Meet the site
The Walter Hood was a 937-ton wooden clipper built in Aberdeen by the shipbuilder whose name she carried – 172 ft long, sharp-lined and fast, having once run from Aberdeen to Sydney in 80 days. For 17 years she was a regular trader between London and Sydney. In late April 1870 she was caught by a severe gale with mountainous seas; by 26 April land was sighted but she lacked the canvas to claw offshore, and at 7.30 pm she struck the coast about a mile north of Bendalong.
Over the following days the hull broke up as the crew fought to get ashore. Of the 35 people aboard, 12 were lost, including Captain Latto, who was washed from his cabin while retrieving the ship's papers, and several men who drowned attempting to carry lines to the shore. A stone memorial erected in 1927 marks the mass grave in the Cudmirrah Fauna Reserve, and the Lady Denman Museum at Huskisson displays artefacts recovered from the wreck.
The Jervis Bay Maritime Museum describes the site as a well-known shallow dive in 3–5 m of water, classified as a historic wreck. Expect scattered timbers, fastenings and ballast among rock and sand rather than an intact hull. Its interest is historical and poignant – one of the defining tragedies of this coast. The site lies in the surf zone and needs flat conditions; detailed position information is not published, so local guidance is essential. It is protected under heritage law, and nothing may be disturbed or removed.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Walter Hood is recorded as Wreck in Shoalhaven Coast. 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.
- 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 Walter Hood 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 Walter Hood 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
Blue groper, luderick, bream, drummer, leatherjackets, kelp and weed (not documented in detail)
Location
Historic wreck site of an Aberdeen-built wooden clipper lost in April 1870 about 1 mile north of Bendalong; remains in 3–5 m.
Facilities nearby
Bendalong village: Washerwomans Beach ramp, holiday park, general store; no dive shop (nearest fills Huskisson/Ulladulla).
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
jervisbaymaritimemuseum.asn.ausouthcoastregister.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.