Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula · Victoria

Ships' Graveyard

Numerous vessels deliberately scuttled outside Port Phillip Bay across a wide depth range.

Wreck
advanced
technical

Victoria's Ships' Graveyard contains numerous wrecks deliberately scuttled outside Port Phillip Bay over more than a century, spread across a wide area of Bass Strait.

Different wrecks lie at different depths, ranging from accessible recreational profiles to depths that require Trimix and full decompression planning.

It is one of the main reasons Victoria's technical community exists, and one of the richest wreck-diving areas in the country.

Northern Territory wreck diving, represented by an AI-generated editorial image.

Max depth

85 m

typically 40 m

Access

boat

Current

variable

Water temp

12–18°C

Level

technical

Depth range at Ships' Graveyard, against standard recreational training limits. Route selection and conditions change the actual profile.

Diving profile

Region	Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula
State	Victoria
Access	boat
Site type	wreck
Minimum depth	20 m
Typical depth	40 m
Maximum depth	85 m
Current	variable
Visibility	Commonly 10–25 m
Water temperature	Roughly 12–18°C
Experience level	advanced, technical

These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.

Marine life

sponge and soft coral colonisation
temperate reef fish
crayfish
schooling baitfish
seals occasionally

Access

Boat access from Queenscliff, Portsea or Sorrento.
Exposed Bass Strait location — weather-dependent.
Wreck depth varies enormously; site selection matters.

Hazards

depth, often beyond recreational limits
cold water
current
overhead if penetration is attempted
distance from shore

Operators servicing this site

Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.

Australian Diving InstructionA Geelong-region operation associated with technical training and access toward Port Phillip Heads.

Training that is genuinely useful here

Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.

Deep DiverExtending recreational limits to 40 metres, with the gas planning and narcosis awareness that requires.Wreck DiverDiving wrecks safely, and understanding where external touring ends and penetration begins.Advanced NitroxHigh-oxygen decompression gases and oxygen-clean equipment — not ordinary recreational Nitrox.Decompression ProceduresPlanning and executing dives with a mandatory decompression obligation.Trimix DiverAdding helium to manage narcosis, oxygen exposure and gas density at depth.

Technical background

Technical Dive Centres in AustraliaWhy 'technical' is not one capability, and how to compare facilities service by service.Decompression DivingWhen the option of a direct ascent is deliberately given up, and what that changes.TrimixHelium in the breathing mix — and the gas logistics that determine whether a trip is possible.Technical Gas in AustraliaAir, Nitrox, oxygen, helium and Trimix — what to verify and where it is actually available.

Related dive sites

Worth reading alongside this one.

Port Phillip Heads WallsWalls starting at 12 metres and continuing beyond 90 — the terrain behind Victoria's technical culture.Lonsdale WallVictoria's signature wall — sponge-covered, vertical, and continuing well past recreational depth.HMAS CanberraVictoria's signature artificial wreck — a former guided missile frigate at around 28 metres.

Dive sites nearby

Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.

HMAS Canberra · 7 kmVictoria's signature artificial wreck — a former guided missile frigate at around 28 metres.Lonsdale Wall · 10 kmVictoria's signature wall — sponge-covered, vertical, and continuing well past recreational depth.Port Phillip Heads Walls · 10 kmWalls starting at 12 metres and continuing beyond 90 — the terrain behind Victoria's technical culture.Blairgowrie Pier · 19 kmVictoria's most popular pier dive, and the best-known site for giant spider crab aggregations.Rye Pier · 24 kmA shallow, sheltered pier known for seahorses, seadragons and night diving.Port Phillip Piers · 28 kmThe bay's network of pier dives — the accessible heart of Victorian diving.

Other dive businesses in the area

Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.

Geelong Dive CentreA Geelong business providing training, equipment and local diving support.SCUBABO QueenscliffA Queenscliff operation, strategically located for access toward Port Phillip Heads.Academy of ScubaA Melbourne training business offering recreational courses with technical pathways.Aquatic AdventuresA Melbourne operation providing recreational training and local diving support.ADRENO MelbourneAn equipment retailer with a spearfishing and freediving emphasis. Primarily retail rather than a training centre.Scuba CultureA Melbourne business providing training and equipment support for local divers.The Scuba DoctorA Victorian equipment and service business with an extensive retail presence, located to serve both Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula divers.Diveline Scuba CentreA Victorian business associated with technical training and gas support alongside recreational courses.

Location

Ships' Graveyard, Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Ships' Graveyard?

Depths range from around 20 metres to roughly 85 metres, with a typical profile around 40 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.

Is Ships' Graveyard suitable for beginners?

It is better approached with experience beyond entry level. Depth, current or exposure make this demanding regardless of what a certification card permits. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.

How do you get to Ships' Graveyard?

Access is boat based. Boat access from Queenscliff, Portsea or Sorrento.

Is there current at Ships' Graveyard?

Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.

What will I see at Ships' Graveyard?

Commonly reported marine life includes sponge and soft coral colonisation, temperate reef fish, crayfish, schooling baitfish, seals occasionally. Sightings are never guaranteed.

When is the best time to dive Ships' Graveyard?

Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 10–25 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.

Where is Ships' Graveyard?

Ships' Graveyard is in the Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula region of Victoria.

Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.