Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest Jun–Oct · Strong current · 22–30°C (coldest Jul, warmest Jan)
- Current
- Strong
- Water temperature
- 22–30°C (coldest Jul, warmest Jan)
- Visibility
- 12–30m: Queensland’s diver guide gives a 12–30m average range; current, tide and weather can change it quickly.
- Experience
- The official guide calls Yongala advanced and experienced.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible throughout the operating year; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible throughout the operating year; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible throughout the operating year; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible throughout the operating year; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
See all 8 species
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
SS Yongala
A two-dive exterior circuit around a grave site; touch nothing and follow the operator’s protected-zone conditions.
14–30m · Strong current
John Brewer Reef
John Brewer Reef: Coral Greenhouse underwater installation.
5–22m · Mild current
Lodestone Reef
Lodestone Reef: Central GBR coral gardens.
5–25m · Mild current
See all 4 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsEasy. Fly to TSV. Typical trip $–$$.
Route overview
Easy
Day trips from a coastal base, about 1.5h from the airport, then a short boat.
Airport options
TSV
Townsville Airport
Short road transfer to Townsville marina or about 90 minutes to Alva Beach
Typical trip cost
$–$$
under $2,000 to $2,000–4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- A two-dive Yongala day currently starts around AUD 400 from Alva before hire and optional training; Townsville departures are commonly higher.
- Reef levies and mooring fees may be separate.
Permit or park fee
What you pay
Commercial trips may include the GBR Environmental Management Charge plus wreck/mooring charges. Confirm what the advertised price includes.
How it works
The wreck sits in a protected zone. Visitors normally dive under an authorised operator’s permit conditions; penetration and anchoring in the inner zone are prohibited.