Former HMAS Tobruk scuttled as Fraser Coast diving attraction

After more than 40 years of service with the Royal Australian Navy, the former HMAS Tobruk has joined Queensland’s list of artificial reefs, becoming a new dive site in the waters off Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

Scuttled at the end of June, the location in the Great Sandy Marine Park has now been checked and is open to divers, with the upper deck at lying at a depth of 18 metres deep and the internal deck at 25 metres.

Built in the late 1970s when it was the Navy's first purpose-built amphibious heavy-lift ship, the ship’s new life as a diving attraction is expected to boost tourism to the Wide Bay and Fraser Coast.

Commenting on the new diving attraction, Queensland Minister for the Environment Leeanne Enoch stated “this unique dive site will appeal to divers of all levels and ability. Diver access holes have been cut around the ship to provide access and lighting into the depths of the historic ex-navy ship."

Martin Simons General Manager of the Fraser Coast Regional Tourism and Events said the region has been waiting with anticipation for the scuttling of the vessel, advising “this new dive site is a big win for local tourism and will put the Fraser Coast-Bundaberg region on the map as an international-class dive location.

“Queensland’s vibrant marine life from corals to turtles and the clear waters of Hervey Bay will make the wreck a magnet for divers from around the world.”

Maritime and disposals specialists Birdon Pty Ltd employed local contractors to prepare and scuttle the ship, removing over 400 tonnes of material, contaminates and waste from the ship before its sinking.

Lady Musgrave Experience, Bundaberg Aqua Scuba, Dive Hervey Bay and Hervey Bay Dive Centre will conduct recreational diving activities on the site, having been appointed by the Queensland Government.

Speaking about the operators, Minister Enoch advised “these operators have been chosen following a range of excellent applications that the Department of Environment and Science received from local dive operators to be part of this exclusive opportunity.

 “With a limited number of divers permitted on the site at one time, this is an exclusive opportunity for the dive companies to take divers on a unique experience.

“Private and club divers will also be able to book two hour time slots to explore this unique dive site.

“Divers will soon have an opportunity to dive on this iconic ex-navy ship and experience the rich sea life that will inhabit her decks.”

Successful operator Brett Lakey from Lady Musgrave Experience said that diving ex-HMAS Tobruk will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for international visitors, adding “we can’t wait to take divers out to experience ex-HMAS Tobruk from a different perspective, deep beneath the ocean’s surface.

“A highlight of this dive wreck will be the ability to swim through the iconic tank deck, which runs nearly the entire length of the ship.

The project was jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils.

Images: HMAS Tobruk while in service with the Royal Australian Navy (top) and its current site (below).

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