Zanoni

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 18m Vis: Average to poor

Description:
The Zanoni was a 3 masted composite barque which topped up her load of wheat and bark at Pt. Wakefield. On Monday 11th Feb 1867, she left for Adelaide before beginning the long journey to England. It was a beautiful February morning with a light easterly blowing. In the afternoon a squall appeared in the west and the order to lower the sails was given. Before this order could be carried out, the squall hit. The vessel was thrown on her beam ends and then turned turtle in a matter of minutes. Fortunately no lives were lost.
At 11 o'clock that night the crew were rescued and taken to Pt. Adelaide. Attempts to locate the wreck the following day was fruitless. She remained a mystery of the deep until 17 Apr 1983 when Rex Tyrrell took divers to examine a reef he regularly fished. The reef was the ZANONI. The Zanoni is protected under the Historical Shipwrecks Act and a permit must be obtained for all persons wishing to dive on the wreck.

For more information contact the:
The Department of Environment & Natural Resources
GPO Box 1047
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Ph. (08) 8204 9478

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Norma

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 16m Vis: Average

Description:
The Norma was a four masted iron barque 278ft long. On 21st April 1907, the Norma was at anchor in the Semaphore anchorage when another vessel, the Ardencraig, approached with the intention of anchoring nearby. The Marine Board of Inquiry was told that due to the poor visibility, the light of the Norma was mistaken for that of the Pilot. When it was realized it was in fact the Norma, evasive action did not avert a collision. One life was lost.
The following morning another ship, the Jesse Darling, ran over the sunken Norma and it too was sunk. After the Jesse Darling was re floated it was decided the Norma was a shipping hazard and it was levelled with explosives on two occasions. Thus now the wreck is no more than 3m above the sea bed and spread over a wide area. It will take more than one dive to see the Norma.
The Norma is covered by the Historic Shipwrecks Act so no parts may be removed.

[Map] [Table]
 
 
 

Clan Ranald

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 23m Vis: Excellent

Description:
The ship was 355ft long and was built in 1900 as a two-deck turret ship for the Clan Line. While the ship was being loaded at the Semaphore Anchorage, it was sitting on the bottom at low tide, so the small list to starboard was not noticed. On 31st January 1909 while en route to Africa and only hours out of Pt Adelaide, she rounded Troubridge Point into Investigator Strait at 2.00pm. These waters between the mainland and Kangaroo Island can be very treacherous. A large wave caused the Clan Ranald to lurch 45 degrees to starboard. The crew panicked and ran to the deck leaving the motors running and the rudder out of the water. Later in the afternoon a strong wind blew from the south east and forced the ship onto rocks near Troubridge Hill. Thirty six lives were lost and their graves may be found in Edithburgh. Twenty of the Twenty four survivors were deported as illegal Filipino and Indian immigrants.
The vessel lies on it's side in 23m of water with the boiler 5m from the bottom. There is still much of the wreck to be seen. The Clan Ranald is protected by the Historic Shipwrecks Act, so no items are to be removed.
Air fills are available in Edithburgh.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Broken Bottom

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 12 Oct 1996

Depth: 11m Vis: Usually good

Description:
Along the Adelaide coastline are a large number of limestone reefs and the Broken Bottom is another section. This is a large area of rocky outcrops and sand gutters just teeming with our usual variety of reef fish. These vary from the iridescent and shy Blue Devils to the common leather-jackets which sometimes have to be shooed away like flies. Looking closely, a sting-ray may be seen buried in the sand with just his eyes showing. With the variety and vastness of this site, many dives are possible without seeing the same area twice.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Saurian

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 12 Oct 1996

Depth: 29m Vis: Average

Description:
The Saurian is the largest of three barges deliberately scuttled 5km west of Port Stanvac. This was done by the Department of Marine and Harbors on 24 November 1954. They form an artificial reef and attract a large variety of fish. The Saurian, formerly a dredge, was a coal lighter when it's useful life ended. It is 163ft long and 30ft wide. Two smaller barges 71ft by 49ft also lay in 30m of water 100-130m north east. Due to the depth of these barges, bottom time is very limited and more than one dive is needed to explore these wrecks. This dive should only be done by advanced or deep divers.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

South Australian

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 21m Vis: Usually good

Description:
The best wreck dive in Adelaide is the South Australian. Commonly known as The Dredge , it was formerly a suction dredge owned and operated by the Department of Marine and Harbors. It was sunk by the Department in 1985 to form an artificial reef 6km from the seaside suburb of Glenelg. It is 133ft long and sits upright on a sandy bottom. The wheel house is at 12m. It is possible to penetrate the wreck and see some of the pipes and tubes needed to operate it. This should only be done with a buddy experienced in this site. The wonders of this place is the thousands of bullseyes which open like a curtain to let you swim through as well as the resident wobegong.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

HA Lumb

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 20m Vis: Usually good

Description:
The H A Lumb, before coming to Adelaide, was a prawn trawler working out of Port Lincoln on the Sth Australia's Eyre Peninsula. It was purchased by the combined effort of all the dive stores in Adelaide and the help of scuba divers. After being stripped and made safe for divers as well as for the environment, the 90ft long H A Lumb met it's watery grave in December of 1994. Situated about 3km from Pt Noarlunga jetty it lies in 20m of water, and sits upright with the deck at 15m. Due to the efforts by the workers in removing the superstructure, it is a safe dive for the relatively inexperienced. Over the time it has been down, I have seen more and more marine growth on the hull, with fish also finding out where they can live in comfort.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Tyre Reefs

Submitted by Garry Douglas - Sat 05 Oct 1996

Depth: 20m Vis: Varies

Description:
Modules of used car tyres were tied together to form a tetrahedron with the sides four tyres wide. Many of these modules were placed in various location around the state to form an artificial reef. They are home to many variety if fish and plants. I have also seen common and leafy sea-dragons on the Pt Noarlunga site. If you do see a Leafy Sea Dragon please make a note of where and when and pass this information to a local dive shop or club who will pass it on to the research group. The Leafy Sea Dragon is a TOTALLY protected marine species.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Glenelg

Locally known is "The Bay", Glenelg is one of Adelaide's most popular beaches. It is situated near the mouth of the Patawalonga 12Km south west of Adelaide. It is on this site the state of South Australia was founded in 1836.
On the south side of the "Pat" is the sailing club, while further south is the main shopping area. On the north side of the "Pat" is the boat ramp which is the starting point for our boat dives. From here we can reach The South Australian which is located very close to a hopper barge and tyre reef. On the left as we leave the boat ramp there are the remains of a break-water known as The Blocks, while further out to our right is the Broken Bottom

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Port Noarlunga

Port Noarlunga is situated on the mouth of the Onkaparinga River some 25Km south of Adelaide. From a bustling port earlier this century, it is now a mecca for beach goers and divers alike. This is without doubt the most popular shore dive site in Australia due to it's closeness and shelter. The jetty now only extends to a limestone reef about 200m from shore. Once the reef is reached, a diver may head north or turn south and follow a marked dive trail. Cairns are placed at irregular intervals with a description of the immediate area and what may be seen.There is generally a very light long-shore current from south to north inside the reef. Most divers in Adelaide had their first open-water experience under the Pt. Noarlunga jetty. Really keen divers are able to climb over the reef. It is a marine reserve, so the only thing you may take from the water is memories and photos.
About 5km north of Pt Noarlunga is the O'Sullivans Beach boat ramp. From here, we leave to explore such sites as the dump, the barges a tyre reef and our latest wreck HA Lumb. Further south along the coast are the Aldinga Reefs, also a marine reserve and excellent area to dive.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

Rapid Bay

Further along the coast, and requiring the use of a boat, is Rapid Head. Rapid Head is a cliff entering the water to a depth of 10m and all along are small & large rocks and limestone bommies. As well as teeming with fish life, the area is also home to many types of colourful soft corals and sponges. The shy and very vivid Blue Devil may be seen hiding in the many crevices, which may also be home to an octopus. Access may be obtained from the boat ramp at Paradise Wirrina Cove Marina or currently from Cape Jervis.

RAPID BAY - NOT JUST A JETTY

Depth: 10m

Description:
South Australia is fortunate to have an abundance of terrific jetty diving. St. Vincent gulf, and beyond, are scaped with a variety of small and large jetties, all offering something unique to themselves. Wool Bay, a site often overlooked has its own resident school of Old Wives and a prolific amount of sea horses hiding in the surrounding sea-grass. Pt. Noarlunga is home to a myriad of sedentary life and Nudibranchs abound at Wallaroo. Each one of these jetties puts forth its own worth and all require further investigation and continuous future dives to glimpse even a portion of their secrets.

One jetty among all stands alone - Rapid Bay. This particular site is overwhelming, even after many years it never ceases to amaze; gin clear water is usually the case and although surge is sometimes present it is never threatening. A sandy bottom, underneath most of the jetty, surrounded by lush green sea-grass is proof of a healthy environment. Situated on the north western coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Rapid Bay is the most southerly accessible jetty dive within easy reach of metro Adelaide. It sources life from the wild and tumultuous Southern Ocean and everything and anything can show up there.

During the cooler months, copious quantities of Leafy Sea dragons ( Phycodures eques) can be found on the seaward side of the T-section and many are of impressive size. As you swim towards the centre you soon realise what makes Rapid Bay special the amount of fish life is awesome. Everywhere you look you are bombarded by countless varieties of marine life, some stand out immediately while others meld slowly in to complete the big picture. Large schools of Pike, Tommy Ruff and Yellowtail are always present, continuously moving about between one another on endless sojourns.

Perhaps the most attractive species at Rapid Bay would be the Old Wives, they are so profuse that they literally take command over the entire T-section. It seems that the other fish have given them this respect - maybe it is their home of many years and their friends are only visitors - they hover motionless behind every pylon and keep constant watch on your every move and seem to occupy a character all of their own. Ornate cowfish, Shaws cowfish, Pipefish, Magpie perch, Gurnards and even the Short finned Conger Eel have taken up resiliency, among many other varieties which seem to flourish under the towering canopy of Rapid Bay.

There are many different dives to be done under and around Rapid Bay jetty. You may enter at the end and work your way back to shore, providing conditions are right. ( it must be calm as it can be hazardous climbing among slippery rocks in less than favourable conditions) This is a complete change of scenery, almost hike a different site altogether. You can also work your way to the southern end, tie on a reel, and go for a wander over the sea-grass beds (Yellowtail Kingfish have been seen before ) or you can try a night dive and really see it going off.

Not only a perfect jetty dive but Rapid Bay is also a great place to go camping for the weekend. Green grass, skirted with tall pines, and clear shadow water make it a perfect swimming beach for divers and their families and Second Valley is just around the corner - a great double dive. So, consider your next dive and go south for not just any jetty dive but for an outstanding adventure.

Nick Piekarski.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

The Islands

Haystacks & the Althorpe Islands are situated in Investigator Straight between Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. Access is generally from Marion Bay, which also has air fills.Overnight accommodation is available here or at nearby Stenhouse Bay which is part of the Innes National Park. The southern part of Yorke Peninsula is also well known for it's surf, and many surfies spend their time here. It is a rugged coastline as it faces the full swells from the Southern Ocean. The area also boasts some of the best diving and fishing in Sth Australia. During Christmas and Easter holidays accommodation is at a premium with divers, anglers and surfers. Sometimes I think the boat ramp needs traffic lights.

Around the islands the water is generally clearer than in Gulf St Vincent, and with a current up to 4 knots, a very enjoyable drift dive is possible.

Pissyboy Rock. Kangaroo Island

Depth: 15m Vis: Usually Good

Description: Boat dive out of American River with Kangaroo Island Diving Safaris, preceded by a white-knuckle ride through and down the countryside. The boat ride to the site allowed a stop to swim and play with friendly dolphins. The area consists of rocky bottom just offshore, covered with algae. Interesting topography lots of islets and cracks with crays and abalone. Curious Sea Lions observed our dives. Squadrons of Old Wives greeted us. We also saw Port Jackson shark, several leatherjackets, sizeable Blue Devils, one friendly and several distant Blue Groper wrasse. The jewels in the crown were Leafy Sea Dragons on every dive, Weedies on some. One Leafy was distinctly in berry. We've dived worldwide, and will be back- even though it's over 12,000 km away. Kangaroo Island itself has many things to do for the non-diver or resting diver, from nature walks to night drives.

[Map] [Table]
 
 

New Dive Site

This your opportunity to tell us about your favourite boat dive.

Please note: Although it is most unlikely that you will experience any problems responding to this form, certain non-standard browsers will not respond properly.
If you experience any difficulties, (or if you are not using a forms-capable browser) you may email your response to this form to: bwc@iweb.net.au.