Ex-HMAS Tobruk has now joined Queensland’s list of artificial reefs, becoming a premier dive site in the waters off Bundaberg and Hervey Bay. The ex-navy ship has been flooded with water via pneumatic valves and will sit on the ocean floor in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
Minister for the Environment Leeanne Enoch said the ex-navy ship had undergone extensive preparations to become a world-class dive site for the past eight months in the Port of Bundaberg, as part of a joint project between the Palaszczuk Government and the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils.
“This is an exciting achievement for our government and will add such a prestigious asset to our portfolio of tourist attractions,” Minister Enoch commented. “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. The upper rear decks of the ship are anticipated to be in water shallower than 18m, appealing to open water divers and snorkelers. The internal tank deck is anticipated to be at a depth of 25m, appealing to advanced and technical divers.”
Enoch said the ship provided service throughout the last 34 years and would continue to serve as a unique tourist attraction from deep beneath our warm Queensland waters. Enoch went on to added that it is expected that divers will be able to dive the site within approximately one month, depending on safety inspections and mooring installations.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said Queensland will be the envy of the diving community with a world-class dive site that will drive an influx of domestic and international visitors to the region.

“The scuttling of Ex-HMAS Tobruk will create a significant tourist attraction, boosting the local economy by up to $5 million per year and creating jobs across the Wide Bay region,” Minister Jones commented “It’s great to see that the history of the ship has been captured through interactive displays to give visitors the opportunity to interact with the Tobruk. The Palaszczuk Government worked in partnership with the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils to deliver this project for the community and local tourism operators.”
The Minister pointed out that the ex-HMAS Tobruk project has generated approximately 20 temporary full-time jobs for locals throughout the production, towing and scuttling operations, and will continue to have flow on economic benefits to major hubs such as Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Maritime Safety Queensland played a critical role in ensuring the safety of the project.
“Maritime Safety Queensland provided specialist advice throughout the process as the Tobruk was prepared for scuttling,” Minister Bailey commented “They also assisted in ensuring the Tobruk’s final resting place was outside major shipping routes and posed no risk to vessels operating in the area.”Martin Simons General Manager of the Fraser Coast Regional Tourism & Events said the region has been waiting with anticipation for the scuttling of Ex-HMAS Tobruk.
“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,” Simons commented “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. Birdon Disposals Manager Trent Raines, said he was honoured to be part of a project that struck cords with many ex-service personnel.
“Four of the local staff we employed to help dismantle the ship had actually served on ex-HMAS Tobruk while she was in action,” Mr. Raines commented “For them, having the opportunity to prepare the ship for her final purpose meant a lot, and they were able to say goodbye to a ship that they spent so much time on during their service. We tried to keep as many historic items on the ship as possible to make this an authentic dive, and we were able to recycle the majority of materials removed from the ship,” Mr. Raines added.