27/09/2024
THE WARATEA WRECK
Tech 1 dive, Victoria’s ship graveyard
For years, I’d heard whispers of the fantastic wreck diving off Port Phillip Bay, a site renowned among the Melbourne technical diving community. This watery graveyard harbors over 45 wrecks—remnants of tugs, dredges, barges, lighters, coastal freighters, a World War I submarine, a paddle steamer, and a patrol boat.
When I finally dived there, I expected chilling temperatures, murky visibility, and only the faintest traces of light trying to pierce the wreck. Instead, I was greeted by a water temperature reminiscent of an early spring dive in Sydney and 20 metres of crystal-clear visibility.
The Waratea wreck was alive with marine life and colour. And Rus and I even had a cheeky seal darting playfully past us during our deco.
This was my introduction to what I’ve realised is the most diverse Tech 1 diving area in Australia.
📸 �Diver: �📍Victoria, Australia�Shot with and