

Best for advanced divers, 12-33m, boat entry, moderate current.
The HMAS Canberra is a decommissioned warship resting upright on a sandy bottom near Portsea. The wreck offers a range of depths from 12 metres at the superstructure to 33 metres at the hull, requiring advanced buoyancy and gas management skills. Divers access the site by boat, and the wreck features multiple entry and exit points for penetration. Conditions vary, with moderate currents and surge common; the site is best dived during slack tide in calm weather. Visibility typically ranges between 6 and 15 metres. Due to water temperatures between 13C and 18C, a 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended for the average 40-minute dive.
-38.29922, 144.54378
Plan your dive around slack tide and arrive early to avoid the worst of the boat traffic, which can be significant on summer weekends. Bring a torch even if you are not planning penetration dives, as the shadowed sections of the hull are where most of the interesting nudibranch activity concentrates.
The site is accessible only by boat, typically from Queenscliff Harbour (approx. 25-minute trip). Independent divers must obtain a permit from Parks Victoria to use the public mooring. Alternatively, dives can be booked through licensed tour operators who have their own designated mooring.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
12-33m
Visibility
6-15m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
13-18°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
The wreck sits at depths ranging from 12 metres at the superstructure to 33 metres at the hull, with an average depth of 25 metres.
No, this site is intended for advanced divers due to the depth, potential for strong currents, surge, and the overhead environment of the wreck.
Access to the site is by boat only. Divers should plan their trip around slack tide and arrive early to avoid significant boat traffic.
The best months to dive the site are December, January, February, March, April, and May.
Diving at HMAS Canberra in Ocean Grove requires the following certifications: Advanced, Wreck. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at HMAS Canberra in Ocean Grove. Water temperatures range from 13°C to 18°C.
The best months to visit HMAS Canberra in Ocean Grove are December, January, February, March, April, and May. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at HMAS Canberra in Ocean Grove. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at HMAS Canberra in Ocean Grove typically ranges from 6 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.