Yongala Stern
SS Yongala Wreck · Australia
The stern is the domain of the Yongala's most iconic residents: enormous Queensland grouper and the sinuous olive sea snakes that ghost through the water column in search of prey. Gropers here have grown to exceptional size over decades of protection, with some individuals approaching two metres in length and entirely unafraid of divers. Sea snakes weave through the prop shaft and rudder structures in a mesmerising slow dance, their lungs requiring them to surface every 30 minutes in a behaviour that becomes predictable and fascinating to watch.
Conditions
Depth
20 to 28 m
Open water and up
Current
Usually gentle
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
15 to 30 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
20 to 30°C
5mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 |
| Vis (m) | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Current | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Still | Still | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Olive Sea Snake
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 18 records
Very likely
Most dives
Napoleon Wrasse
Last confirmed Jun 5, 2026 · 36 records
Very likely
Most dives
Yellow Spotted Trevally
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 20 records
Very likely
Most dives
Sixband Angelfish
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 20 records
Very likely
Most dives
Longfin Batfish
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 16 records
Very likely
Most dives
Leopard Coralgrouper
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 19 records
Very likely
Most dives
Queensland Grouper
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 6 records
Very likely
Most dives
Marble Ray
Last confirmed Jun 4, 2026 · 11 records
Very likely
Most dives
Gear