Meet the site
The SS Xantho has an outsized place in Australian maritime archaeology. Built in 1848 as a paddle steamer and later converted to screw propulsion with a second-hand Crimean War-era gunboat engine, she became Western Australia's first coastal steamship. On 16 November 1872, overloaded with lead ore from a local mine, she struck a sandbar at Port Gregory and sank.
The wreck was rediscovered in 1979 by the Maritime Archaeological Association of WA. Her propulsion system and part of the stern were in good condition, though the rest was fragile. In 1985 the WA Museum raised the engine, which was conserved and reconstructed – a process finished in 2006 – and is now displayed at the Shipwreck Galleries in Fremantle. The Xantho project was a landmark in the conservation of iron shipwreck material.
Marine Life Network lists the site in 5 m in the passage at Port Gregory, noting that the boiler is near the surface but that the water is often stirred up and dirty. It is a site for heritage enthusiasts; the most impressive part of the ship is now ashore in Fremantle. All remains are protected. A visit to the Shipwreck Galleries to see the engine is the natural companion to any dive here. Port Gregory also holds the ruins of the Lynton convict hiring depot and is the gateway to the Hutt Lagoon pink lake.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Xantho Wreck (Port Gregory) is recorded as Wreck in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. 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.
- 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 Xantho Wreck (Port Gregory) 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 Xantho Wreck (Port Gregory) 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
Sand and reef fish, sponges and weed on ironwork
Location
Remains of WA's first coastal steamship, lost in 1872 in Gold Diggers/Gold Miners Passage at Port Gregory, in about 5 m; her engine was raised in 1985 and is displayed at the WA Museum.
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
museum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.