ex HMAS Canberra Reef Dives

Dive the ex HMAS Canberra Reef for the wreck dive of a lifetime. As a new, large, accessible dive wreck, the ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 is a wreck diver's dream.

To see the whole 138 metres (453 feet) long, 14.3 metres (47 feet) beam, 4,100 tonne (4,519 short tons) displacement ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 ship, you'll want to do at least 20 dives, but you can certainly get a feel for the majesty of the wreck after even a few dives.

You can dive the ex HMAS Canberra by booking with a Charter Boat Operator or Dive Shop. Divers using private boats can also book a time on the public mooring - see Dive Site Guidelines.

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 Top View. | © Parks Victoria

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 Port View. | © Parks Victoria

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 Starboard View. | © Parks Victoria

For diagrams of the dive site, please see:

Parks Victoria Scuttling Survey
© Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria Dive Site Maps
© Parks Victoria

• ex HMAS Canberra Dive Site Map (Adobe PDF | 1.48 MB)
• ex HMAS Canberra Scuttling Survey (Adobe PDF | 4.8 MB)

Divers are able to access the superstructure of all decks. Highlights are the junior mess mural, the captain's cabin, the bridge, galley, mess decks and operations room. These areas have been left as intact as possible to create additional interest for divers, plus nooks and crannies for creatures. Please note that this can make the dive more challenging.

Please don't scavenge from the ex HMAS Canberra. It's illegal. Plus, if you do, it won't be long before you destroy the thing you came to see.

The ex HMAS Canberra Reef is a tremendous dive destination, plus a focus for education and pioneering scientific research.

Pre-Scuttling Video Walkthrough

ex HMAS Canberra Deck Plans

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 Starboard Openings. Port side is similar.

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 3 Deck.

ex HMAS Canberra FFG-02 4 Deck.

ex HMAS Canberra Site Bathymetry.

Dive With Care

Wreck diving is a challenging recreational experience. Do not over-estimate your competence and skill level. Wreck penetration should not be attempted without proper training and equipment.

Some variable factors with this dive area are:

• On the surface — swell, wave height, wind strength and direction;
• Underwater — depth, surge, visibility and the reef itself.

Please plan your dive accordingly.

Ensure that emergency procedures are established, emergency equipment readily available and communication links with the emergency services are in place.

Ensure that the vessel you use to access the site has a crew trained in diver operations.

Have your equipment serviced regularly and familiarise yourself with it.

Carry out a full buddy check and dive the plan agreed.

It is recommended that all divers first do an orientation dive on the ex HMAS Canberra Reef to become familiar with the complexities of the Reef before venturing into any compartments, regardless of their level of skill or experience.

Plan the dive and dive the plan!