Things to do
Diver observing the variety of coral growing on the wreck.
Photo credit: Courtesy of and copyright Scuba World, Mooloolaba
A diver explores the operations room inside the wreck.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Gillian Davidson, Noosa Blue Water Dive
The wreck has been kept in virtually original condition to make it visually appealing and interesting for divers to explore.
Photo credit: Courtesy of and copyright Scuba World, Mooloolaba
Wobbegong shark.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Blue Water Dive
Divers are able to explore features of this former warship, such as the front gun.
Photo credit: Courtesy of and copyright Scuba World, Mooloolaba
Camping and accommodation
Queensland's Sunshine Coast offers a wide range of accommodation from camping to cabins, motels, self-contained units, houses and resorts. For more information see the tourism information links.
Diving
The ex-HMAS Brisbane provides excellent scuba-diving and some snorkelling opportunities.
Be aware:
- All divers must have a recognised scuba-diving qualification.
- Private divers and snorkellers need a QPWS permit.
- The site is not suitable for inexperienced divers without a guide.
- Recommended experience is a minimum of 10 open-water dives.
- Wreck 'penetration' should only be attempted by those with suitable equipment, training and experience.
- Wreck diving is potentially dangerous.
- For dive safety and medical advice contact Divers Emergency Service (DES) Australia.
- See staying safe for more information about ex-HMAS Brisbane diving safety.
Guided tours
The two dive tour operators are licensed to offer dives within Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park. If you are a certified diver, contact the dive operators to find out which dive experiences they can offer you.
Snorkelling
A permit and fees apply to snorkel the wreck. You do not need scuba-diving qualifications.
Visibility varys
- summer visibility is about 10–15m
- winter visibility is about 15–25m.
Viewing wildlife
The ex-HMAS Brisbane is covered with hard and soft corals, offering divers and snorkellers an underwater wonderland to explore. Just some of the sights you can see are:
- fish, including bat fish, mackerel, coral trout and small groper
- bottom-dwelling sharks such as wobbegongs
- crayfish
- sea urchins
- anemones
- sea stars
- sea whips
- gorgonians
- turtles
- stingrays
- cowries
- nudibranchs, including the fantastic spanish dancers.
See the description of the park’s natural environment for more details about the wreck's diverse marine wildlife.
Diving yes! Fishing No!
Access permits for general boating and fishing in and around Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park are not issued, due to the serious risks to divers from hooks and entanglement in discarded fishing line.
- On-the-spot fines may be issued to vessels entering the conservation park restricted access area without a permit.
- Boats should stand off at least 400m from the wreck in any direction to ensure they are clear of the restricted access area.
- Be aware: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers regularly conduct compliance patrols.
Nearby attractions
The Sunshine Coast is full of attractions, including zoos and aquaria, golden beaches and wide rivers, wildflowers and beautiful hinterland rainforests in the Blackall Range, Mary Caincross Park and the Maleny, Kondalilla and Mapleton national parks.
Take a coastal walk
- There are currently no park alerts for this park.