On the Western Bay of Moreton Island, a mysterious string of sunken ships can be spotted from the shoreline. It might look like the aftermath of some epic story, but there’s nothing accidental about this shipwreck.
These 15 ships were deliberately sunk, which makes this the most unique shipwreck in Australia. But what’s even more unique? You can snorkel around them.
The origin story of the Tangalooma Shipwrecks
How did the ships end up here?
Just off the coast of Brisbane, you’ll find the world’s third-largest sand island, Moreton Island.
Due to strong currents, the waves around the Western Bay of Moreton Island are large and forceful. Before the Tangalooma Shipwrecks, the sandy seabed and lack of reef meant that any incoming boats would struggle to secure their anchors.
Between 1963 and 1984, the Queensland Government deliberately sank 15 different-sized ships around the bay to mimic a reef. This makeshift dam forms a barrier between the beach and the ocean’s force.
The result? The force of the water is broken up, and the ships can anchor safely.
An accidental haven for marine life
The shipwrecks have created an accidental oasis for marine life
Not only did the boat owners thrive from the effects of the shipwrecks, but so did the marine life! When metal erodes and rusts in water, it creates a bumpy surface that marine species can easily attach themselves to.
So when the ships started to erode in the waters of Moreton Island, the marine life in the waters of Moreton Island found a new home! The corroding metal surfaces became the new home for barnacles, larvae, and marine organisms. Imagine you’re on a climbing wall…It’s far easier to climb up the wall if you have lots of rough, sandpapery parts to hold onto, rather than a completely smooth, polished wall.
So, what can you see if you snorkel around the Tangalooma wreckages?
Marine life thrives around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks! Here are a few of the different species of marine life that call it home:
- Parrotfish
- Angelfish, yellowtails and kingfish
- Turtles
- Rays
- Dolphins
- Wobbegong Sharks
A popular snorkelling spot
What was a government initiative for safer anchorage has now become a popular snorkelling spot for tourists. These rusty brown ships have contrasted with the vivid azure ocean blues, creating a super unique snorkelling experience! Most people will hop on a snorkelling tour to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, but some people prefer to walk the length of the beach.
How can I see the Tangalooma Wrecks?
Swimming by yourself to the Tangalooma Wrecks:
From the entrance of the beach to the shipwrecks, it’s a 15-20 minute walk. Then you swim out to the wreckage! However, we wouldn’t recommend going by yourself because…
- The currents can be strong
- There is no lifeguard on the beach
- The force of the water can be unpredictable
Doing a snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks:
In the interest of safety, it’s better to do a tour rather than swim by yourself. Here’s why you should do a tour:
- Quick access to the wrecks: It’s only a 5-minute boat ride from the beach to the wrecks, so you won’t need to take the 25-minute trek in the heat!
- Information about the wrecks: Learn about the history of the wrecks from a tour guide.
- Safer: A safer way to explore the wrecks, as you will be in a large group.
- Safety of the boat: If the currents get stronger, you’ll be able to climb back aboard the boat easily.
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