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The “Tug” as it is affectionately called by those who dive it regularly, was a 50m long steam powered collier that that sank off Sydney’s South coast in 1919. Today the wreck lies in 48m of water on a sandy bottom. The wrecks’s large boiler and stern section (including propeller and large rudder) are still in tact and provide haven for the vast quantities of fish life that adorn the wreck. Huge schools of fish often reduce visibility, which varies heavily between the surface and bottom but is mostly 10m or greater. Not much of the ship’s forward section remains other than the hull, which is open and exposes a rib like structure. Seals and dolphins are often seen frolicking around the wreck, though they are only rarely sighted underwater. The Tuggerah is an excellent fish wreck, that is dived repeatedly by many.

The Birchgrove was a 42m long coastal collier which sank in 1956. She is one of Sydney’s more popular wrecks due to the fact that much of the wreck is still in tact. The wreck is a short 8 kilometre boat ride from Barrenjoey Headland and now lies in 52m of water on a sandy bottom. The funnel, boiler, bridge, engine, stern, prop and bow are all intact or recognizable, making for an interesting dive. More experienced divers often penetrate through sections of the hull, though for the most part the wreck is a non-penetration dive. For those experienced at deep diving, the Birchgrove is an excellent wreck dive.

The 34m long tug was scuttled in 1980 and now lies in 48m of water. As the wrecked was stripped before being scuttled, it is often considered one of the less interesting wrecks and thus is not dived all that often. The wreck is very much in tact, and allows for some penetration if one is suitably experienced. Despite its sparse coverings, the Himma is a fun dive and worth doing at least once.

The SS Undola sunk in 1918 and now lies in approximately 43m. Like the other wrecks in the area, the ship attracts a lot of marine life and is for this reason an excellent wreck dive. The wreck is upright on a sandy bottom, with the boiler, engine and rear sections being interesting areas to explore. Schools of nannygais, yellowtail and kingfish are also in abundance. The Undola is an excellent wreck, which quietly provides an excellent dive when conditions are right.

Part of the scuttled Long Reef wreck site, the Coolooli is approximately 50m long and 11m wide. Sunk in 1980, she now lies on her starboard side in 48m of water. The wreck can be enjoyed from the outside, though advanced divers can easily penetrate the open spaces and even swim through the funnel which leads to a hole near the buckets. Several dives on the wreck are required to fully appreciate the details, with the notable areas including the buckets, bridge and upper desks.

The Centurion was a 63m timber barb that sank in 1887 and now sits on a sandy bottom at a depth of 18m. The wreck itself is not large, and consists of mainly iron, timber and other small pieces from the ship. Depending on how fast you go, the wreck only takes 15-20 minutes to explore, though the abundant fish life it has attracted over the years makes for good dive.

Lying only several hundred metres off Sydney Harbour’s South Head, the SS Royal Shepard was originally a cargo/passenger ship measuring 42m long and 6m wide. With only the upright propeller, boiler and engine remaining today, the wreck is rather interesting and sits on a sandy bottom well within recreational depths at 30m.

One of Sydney’s deeper wrecks, the SS Woniora now lies in approximately 63m just outside the entrance to Botany Bay. The “Wonnie” as it is known isn’t dived that often due to its depth and frequently strong currents that affect the area. Large sections of the wreck stern including the stern post, rudder and propeller are visible although covered by sand in parts. The main section of the wreck is approximately 20m long and includes the boiler, donkey boiler, winch and other wreckage. Only very experienced technical divers with appropriate training and equipment should attempt this wreck.

Originally a steam powered paddle tug, the Koputi sprung a leak and sunk in 1920. Lying in 78m of water, it is an extremely deep dive that requires advanced trimix experience.

The SS Kelloe was a 50m long, 8m wide steam powered collier that sunk in 1902 approximately 1km off Little Bay. Lying in approximately 50m, the Kelloe is one of Sydney better wrecks within its depth range. The hull has been carved open, and the main part of the wreck is flat, leading to a relatively square profile. The boilier, damaged engine and donkey boiler are all still visible. Like the other wrecks in the area, the Kelloe can suffer strong currents and varying conditions. If timed right, the Kelloe is a great dive for any wreck enthusiast with the appropriate training and equipment.