Following scuttling in June 2018 just north of Hervey Bay, the ex-HMAS Tobruk has been open to recreational divers since about September 2018. Although the scuttling didn’t go to plan, and the choice of site prompted extensive debate in the diving community, at the end of the day, it’s a dive site.

Although we knew there wouldn’t be much growth after such a short time in the water, some of Brisbane SAC were keen to have a look. Our original trip was scheduled for July 2019, but the weather was against us. We re-scheduled for September 2019, and thankfully, the weather was on our side.

As the wreck is in an exposed area, it is more weather-dependent then other dive sites. We were booked for four dives over a weekend, and we managed to dive the ex-HMAS Tobruk on all four.

This is a guided site only, and every diver, no matter the breadth and depth of their experience, can only dive the wreck with a guide. Our first dive on Saturday was a try-out dive, with no wreck penetration, to familiarize us with the layout of the wreck. Yes, it is on its side, but with depths ranging from 12-30 metres, it is certainly accessible for all grades of diver.

Even though the wreck hasn’t been there long, there was quite a lot of marine life, including schools of small fish, a school of bat fish, an octopus and a turtle.

On the second dive, we were allowed to penetrate the wreck, with most of the sections we entered being quite open. Areas accessed included the infirmary, tank room and cafeteria. We only needed a torch for one section, which gives you an idea how open the wreck is. Interestingly, there is a lot of silt within the wreck, even though it’s only been there for a year.

Sunday was a very early start, we were in the water for our first dive by 7.15 am. The intention was to do the 120 metre swim-through, but didn’t as the visibility wasn’t as good as Saturday. However, why penetrate the wreck, when you can see a bull ray on the outside? Also, the whale song was easier to hear on the outside!

All-in-all a great weekend of diving, and worth the drive and the early start.

Thanks to Hannah for organizing, and to Hervey Bay Dive Centre, and our guides, Grant and Matt.

Bernadette Hawkins