HMAS Brisbane

The HMAS Brisbane is an ex-naval destroyer that measures 133 metres from bow to stern. It rests on a sandy bottom of 27 metres and the top of its smoke stacks reaches 3 meters of water. She is easily the largest of the diveable wrecks in Queensland and as a dive site she literally offers something for everyone. Open Water divers are able to interact with the life that has collected on the upper deck of the ship between 14 - 18 m, and the more advanced divers are free to explore the mysteries within the depths of ship.

"The Brisbane" was decommissioned in 2001 and scuttled on the 31st of July 2005 and has sat just 5 Nautical Miles off the coast of Mooloolaba in the Sunshine Coast since then. The sunken ship and the area surrounding the ship is an artificial reef protected by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The wreck has developed a lot of growth since it was first laid down and is covered with sponges as well as hard and soft corals. More than 200 species of fish have been recorded so far and large schools of pelagic fish swarm around the twin chimney stacks.

Diving experts agree that the ex-HMAS Brisbane is one of the best prepared ships to be scuttled anywhere in the world to create an artificial reef. Large holes have been strategically cut along the entire length of both sides of the ship to allow divers easy entry and exit. It is virtually impossible to get lost inside the ship or become entangled. There is little or no sediment on the floors of the ship making it safe for divers. The site is suitable both for the novice diver who may wish to only explore the ship from the outside or the experienced diver who would like to descend the chimney stack and discover the cavernous front boiler room and engine room.

Our bus departs from Milton at 5.30am during Summer (October to May) and 6.30am during Winter (June to September). Customers are then able to enjoy the drive up to Mooloolaba in air-conditioned comfort and catch up on sleep until we arrive at The Wharf complex adjacent to UnderWater World. From there "The Brisbane" is a short, comfortable 20 minute trip aboard "Dive Express", a purpose built 11.3 m rigid hull inflatable sporting twin 250 hp Suzuki four stroke outboards.

"The Brisbane" is situated in open sea conditions. There are no reefs or islands surrounding the site which offer protection from winds and swell. It is for this reason why we will return to the shelter of Mooloolaba Bay for the surface interval, during which you can enjoy a coffee, some sweet & savoury pastries fresh from the bakery, and home-baked Anzac biscuits.

After enjoying two dives exploring the ins and outs of the wreck we will head back to Brisbane typically returning back to Milton at 4pm.

$179

Click on the filmstrip below to view photos of the ex-HMAS Brisbane or click here.