Some novice divers get the Tangalooma Wrecks confused with the Curtin Artificial Reef.
These are two separate artificial reefs on the western side of Moreton Island. The Tangalooma Wrecks are just north of the Tangalooma Island Resort and can be seen above the waterline. While the Curtin Artificial Reef can not be seen above the water and is about seven kilometres to the north.
History of the Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef
The Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef was started in 1963 when a group of recreational boat owners lobbied the government for an artificial harbour to be built on the western side of Moreton Island.
The result was around 15 de-commissioned steam driven dredges and barges sunk on a sandbank about 500 metres off the beach.
Location of the Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef
The Tangalooma Wrecks are only a short walk along the beach north of the Tangalooma Island Resort. This resort was once the site of the Tangalooma Whaling Station.
The reef is easy to see, with the twisted mass of metal, old dredges and funnels poking out of the water.
The GPS coordinates for the Tangalooma Wrecks Reef are:
-27.163202 153.368669
What’s at the Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef Scuba Dive Site
The Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef scuba dive site is a shallow scuba dive, with a maximum depth of only 10 metres. This makes it a good location for introductory scuba dives. Many scuba instructors use this site as an introduction to open water scuba diving for students working towards their open water diving certification.
There are some penetration dives on the wrecks. These should only be attempted with a scuba divemaster or scuba instructor who is well acquainted with the wrecks.
Fish Life at the Tangalooma Wrecks Artificial Reef
Apart from the excitement of scuba diving on sunken wrecks, the Tangalooma Wrecks offers a prolific display of marine life.
Before the artificial reef was formed, the area was basically a marine desert. A flat, sandy bottom didn’t provide much in the way of marine habitats. However, now with the abundance of nooks and crannies, and a place for soft corals and seaweeds to grow, the reef teems with life.
There are a myriad of tropical fish, placid wobbegong sharks, schools of trevally, with soft corals over the sunken bits of the wrecks.
Scuba Dive Plan for the Tangalooma Wrecks
Best time to scuba dive the Tangalooma Wrecks is either side of the high tide, so that the change of tide is in the middle of the dive. Divers need to carefully plan around the tides as the currents can be quite strong.
A good scuba dive plan for the Tangalooma Wrecks is a drift dive. However, this must be carefully planned so the currents are not too strong. The boat needs to be well coordinated, especially with the pick-up at the end of the dive.
Snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks
With the Tangalooma Wrecks being in such shallow water makes it a great place for snorkelling.
There are a few things to be aware of when snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Stingers, like fire coral or stinging hydra, can give a snorkeller a painful rash. Stonefish with their poisonousness barbs can be a threat if accidentally stood on.
Sharing the Tangalooma Wrecks Dive Site With Fishermen
With the reef attracting so much fishlife, the reef is a magnet for fishermen. And therefore scuba divers and snorkellers must share the site.
The main risk when underwater is the possibility of getting tangled in some old fishing lines that hang around the wrecks. A dive knife should be carried when diving or snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks.
As the Tangalooma Wrecks form a harbour, there is a large number of boat movements in the area. A scuba diver or snorkeller needs to be extra vigilant; especially after a drift dive.
The Tangalooma Wrecks Dive Site is a fascinating spot for a scuba dive or for snorkelling. Sunken wrecks, prolific marine life in a shallow, easily accessible location make it a dive site that offers a lot for a scuba diver or snorkeller.
Bruce Iliff - Hello from an Australian freelancer! I’ve been scratching articles together in Australia in a range of subjects for a number of ...
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