Sunshine Coast: Scuba Dive the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Ship Wreck

Imagine floating over the calm waters off Queensland, gazing down at a giant, sunken warship teeming with life, history, and mystery. For certified divers, this 5-hour adventure at the Ex-HMAS Brisbane offers a chance to explore one of the world’s top wreck sites without the crowds. With a modest price of $125 per person, guided by knowledgeable instructors from Sunreef Mooloolaba, it’s a well-priced way to combine underwater exploration with a touch of maritime history.

We particularly like the well-maintained moorings that allow two relaxed dives, and the abundance of marine life that makes every moment underwater feel like discovering a vibrant, moving sculpture. The opportunity to enter the engine room or visit the control room gives a sense of connection to the ship’s past.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is strictly for certified divers—so if you’re not yet certified or comfortable with your gear, this isn’t for you. It’s best suited for experienced divers who want a memorable, authentic wreck experience. If you love marine life, historical shipwrecks, and clear waters, this tour will tick most boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Explore the Ex-HMAS Brisbane, a decommissioned destroyer turned artificial reef.
• Marine biodiversity: Encounter turtles, eagle rays, sharks, and countless other species.
• Ideal conditions: Clear water, minimal swell, and good visibility make for enjoyable diving.
• Guided by experts: Skilled instructors ensure safety and enrich your understanding of the ship’s history.
• Year-round operation: The wreck is accessible any time, with water temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C.
• Limited inclusions: Dive equipment and cameras are extra, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Guide to the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Dive Experience

Location and Setting

The Ex-HMAS Brisbane is located just 2.9 nautical miles offshore from the Sunshine Coast, making it a convenient and straightforward boat trip. This proximity means you’ll spend less time getting to the wreck and more on exploring it, which is a big plus if you prefer quality over quantity in your adventure. The boat trip itself is included, along with marine park permits—no hidden costs there.

The Vessel and the Dive Site

This shipwreck is a massive sight—sitting upright in 15 to 18 meters of water—making it accessible for divers of all experience levels with proper certification. Its size is intimidating at first glance but awe-inspiring once you start exploring.

What makes this wreck special isn’t just its size but the fact that it’s an artificial reef teeming with sea life. Over the years, soft corals have begun to cling to the structure, with hard corals establishing themselves—transforming the ship into a vibrant underwater habitat.

What You’ll See Underwater

The marine life here is truly impressive. We loved the diverse array of species, from curious sea hares to large eagle rays gliding between the funnels. The presence of turtles resting on the aft funnel and giant Queensland groupers hanging around the bow adds a sense of living history and drama to the scene.

The visibility typically averages around 15 meters, but can reach up to 20 meters or more—perfect for appreciating the ship’s details and the marine life swarming around it. Water temperatures vary seasonally, from a cool 17°C in winter to a warm 27°C in summer, so appropriate gear is advisable.

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The Dive Itself

Sunreef’s use of two midship moorings means you get two leisurely dives—one exploring the outside of the ship and the other allowing a deeper look into its interior, including the engine room and control room. The guide, often a PADI-certified instructor or divemaster, will ensure your safety and help you identify the different creatures and parts of the vessel.

Many reviewers emphasize how knowledgeable their guides are, enhancing the experience far beyond just swimming around. One noted, “The guides really knew their stuff, giving us insights into the ship’s history and the marine ecology.” This mix of education and adventure is what makes this trip stand out.

Safety and Practicalities

Since this is a dive trip, certification is a must—you’ll need to show your dive card, either physical or digital. The trip is designed for Open Water level divers and above. If you’re not certified, this trip isn’t suitable, but there are plenty of other Sunshine Coast activities to explore.

The water temperatures and visibility mean you’ll want to bring appropriate gear—wetsuits are usually provided or can be rented. Plus, a diving torch is recommended if you plan to explore the interior, as penetration dives can be darker. Cameras are also available for rent, so you can capture the wreck’s details and marine life without buying your own gear.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers return boat transportation, light snacks, and marine park permits. Guidance is provided by qualified professionals, which adds value and safety to the experience.

However, scuba equipment and underwater cameras are extra, so factor those costs in if you want to record your adventure. No hotel pickups or transfers are included, but the boat departs from a convenient location.

Environmental and Educational Value

This site isn’t just for fun—it’s a controlled, environmentally protected area. Studies by local scientists and institutions affirm the rich marine biodiversity thriving around the wreck. It’s a living laboratory of sorts—where you can witness sea creatures like lionfish, squid, and nudibranchs in their natural habitat.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re a certified diver craving a world-class wreck, this trip offers an authentic, well-organized adventure. Marine life enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity, and history buffs might find the ship’s structure fascinating, especially if they enjoy exploring ship interiors. It’s suitable for those comfortable in open water and eager to see a real piece of maritime history.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

The Sunshine Coast Ex-HMAS Brisbane dive delivers a balanced mix of adventure, education, and natural beauty. The proximity to shore, coupled with excellent water conditions, makes it accessible and rewarding. We loved how the guides combined their knowledge with patience, making every diver feel safe and informed.

This experience is best suited for certified divers who want to explore a genuinely impressive wreck without long boat rides or complex logistics. If marine life, shipwrecks, and warm, clear waters excite you, you’ll find this a highlight of your Sunshine Coast trip.

Keep in mind that equipment is extra, and if you’re not certified, you might prefer another activity. But for those ready to get underwater and explore a piece of history, this is a memorable, enriching choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, you must hold a current scuba diver certification or higher and have been diving within the past two years.

Can I bring my underwater camera?
Cameras can be rented at an extra cost, but bringing your own is a good idea if you want to capture the experience.

Is the water temperature cold?
Water temperatures vary from 17°C in winter to 27°C in summer, so dress appropriately with wetsuits, which can be rented if needed.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is for certified divers, so age restrictions depend on individual certification and comfort level.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers boat transportation, light snacks, and marine park permits. Equipment and cameras are optional extras.

How many dives do I get?
You will typically enjoy two relaxed dives thanks to the midship moorings—one around the outside and one inside the wreck.

What marine creatures might I see?
Expect turtles, eagle rays, giant groupers, lionfish, squid, nudibranchs, and more, depending on the season.

How long is the trip?
The whole experience lasts about 5 hours, usually scheduled in the morning for optimal conditions.

Is the wreck accessible for penetration dives?
Yes, guided penetration dives are possible, but you’ll need a torch (can be rented), and guides will determine if it’s suitable.

Can non-divers or snorkelers join?
No, this tour is strictly for certified scuba divers. However, there are other activities in the area for snorkelers and non-divers.

In summary, the Sunshine Coast’s Ex-HMAS Brisbane encounter offers certified divers a rare opportunity to see a massive, well-preserved wreck alive with marine life. It’s a hands-on, educational, and visually stunning experience that’s hard to beat for authenticity and value. Whether you’re fascinated by ships or just love observing underwater wildlife, this trip promises a memorable splash of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: