HMAS Brisbane dive: Wreck-diving tours on the Sunshine Coast

The HMAS Brisbane dive is one of the best wreck dives in Australia. Wreck-diving tours from Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast visit the 133 metre-long former destroyer.

The HMAS Brisbane dive is a popular wreck-diving option from Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

To book a HMAS Brisbane diving tour from the Sunshine Coast, step this way…

Scuttling of the HMAS Brisbane

Unlike the SS Yongala near Townsville, this Queensland wreck dive is not the result of a tragic accident.

The HMAS Brisbane is a decommissioned destroyer that was deliberately scuttled in 2005, a few kilometres to the east of Mudjimba Island.

It was sunk in order to become an artificial reef, and it has succeeded mightily in that aim.

HMAS Brisbane dive: Marine life

Since its sinking, marine life has flocked to the HMAS Brisbane. Participants in diving tours often see turtles, eagle rays, leopard sharks, groupers and a host of other big fish flitting around the wreck.

Accessibility is a key factor in making the HMAS Brisbane such a superb wreck dive. The surrounding water is relatively shallow, making for good visibility.

It’s also close to shore – you only need a 15 minute boat ride to get out there.

How big is the HMAS Brisbane?

The other factor in what makes the HMAS Brisbane dive so impressive is the sheer scale. The ship is still upright, and 133 metres long. It’s mesmerising to swim around, particularly with the schools of fish weaving around you.

HMAS Brisbane diving tours from Mooloolaba

Sunreef runs HMAS Brisbane diving tours from Mooloolaba, which cost from $175 and include around 50 minutes of diving time. These tours can be booked online.

If you need to hire equipment, that costs extra. The exact price depends on exactly which equipment you need, but its $34 for two air tanks and weights.

Other things to do in Mooloolaba include having a few beers at the Mooloolaba Surf Club, riding the Sunshine Coast Aquaduck and enjoying a Sunshine Coast submarine tour.

Other tour options in Mooloolaba include whale-watching cruises, adventure rafting at high speed and a submarine tour.

The Brisbane to Mooloolaba drive takes around one hour and 19 minutes, while Mooloolaba accommodation options include apartment-style Mantra Mooloolaba and the beachfront Landmark Resort.

12 fantastic Sunshine Coast experiences to book now

Taste coffee and ginger, do rainforest walks, and visit the best lookouts on a highlight-packed hinterland tour.
Take a serene Noosa Everglades cruise along the mirror-like waterways – or canoe through the Everglades.
Learn to surf at a Sunshine Coast surf school – or try paddleboarding instead.
Combine sight-seeing and thrills on a fast boat tour.
Go e-mountain biking on the downhill trails of Tewantin National Park.
Kayak with dolphins as part of a beach 4WD tour.
Explore the Sunshine Coast from above on a seaplane flight.
Take an indigenous cultural tour – with bush tucker tasting.
Visit the region’s best craft breweries and distilleries on a drinks tasting tour.
Go jetskiing through the gorgeous Pumicestone Passage.
Taste wines, cheeses and chocolates on a hinterland food tour.
Watch migrating humpbacks on a whale-watching cruise.