Sunreef Mooloolaba Ex-HMAS Brisbane Double Dive

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Dive one of the world's best wreck sites, the Ex-HMAS Brisbane. Located less than 3 miles offshore from the Sunshine Coast, this decommissioned guided missile destroyer now serves as an artificial reef and home to many marine animals.

Days

5 hours

Group size

Max 18

Start / finish

Mooloolaba / Mooloolaba

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Dive boat from the Sunreef shop down the Mooloolah River to the wreck

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Sunreef Mooloolaba Ex-HMAS Brisbane Double Dive

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Included experiences

Ex-HMAS Brisbane — two wreck dives from the midship moorings
Wreck reef — rays, grouper, kingfish and turtle
Mooloolah River — boat trip out to the dive site

Sunreef Mooloolaba Ex-HMAS Brisbane Double Dive

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK IN AT THE SUNREEF SHOP

Your dive day starts at the Sunreef shop at The Wharf Mooloolaba, a PADI dive centre whose roots go back to 1976. The crew check you in and sort your gear. You can set it up yourself, or let one of the team do it for you. Then it's down to the boat for the short run along the Mooloolah River. Each diver gets a thorough briefing on the wreck and the dive plan while the boat motors across the calm water of the river, so by the time you reach the open sea you know exactly where you're going.

TO THE WRECK OFF MUDJIMBA ISLAND

The Ex-HMAS Brisbane lies just 2.9 nautical miles offshore, east of Mudjimba Island, so the ride is short. She was a 133-metre Charles F Adams Class guided missile destroyer, commissioned in 1967, and served 34 years, including in the Vietnam and Gulf wars and in Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in 1974. On 31 July 2005 charges below the waterline sent her to the bottom in 2 minutes and 10 seconds. She sits bolt upright in 28 metres of water, with about 15 metres over her forward decks and 18 metres over her stern. Sunreef has exclusive use of the two midship moorings.

TWO DIVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WRECK

The crew help you into the water from the mooring, and each dive runs for 50 minutes, or until you or your buddy reach 50 bar, whichever comes first. Two leisurely dives let you cover the length of the ship from the outside, and her size alone is a sight. Visibility averages about 15 metres and often reaches 20. Look for large bull and eagle rays, a school of yellowtail kingfish hunting the bait fish, Queensland groupers off the bow, turtles and octopus. Soft corals now cover much of the steel, and hard corals are taking hold.

BACK TO MOOLOOLABA

After your second dive the boat heads back through the river mouth to the wharf, about five hours after you checked in. Back at the shop your gear is washed for you, so all that's left is to log the dive. Scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Queensland Museum have studied the wreck and confirmed how much marine life now calls her home. Two dives in, you've seen why.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Sunreef dive shop, Mooloolaba.
Please note: Trips are subject to weather; you'll be sent an email and text at 3:30pm the day before to confirm the trip and departure time. The dive is in open water, so consider seasickness medication.
Fitness: After booking you fill out a one-time Divers Statement. If you take medication (other than contraception and malaria medication) or have an injury or illness that may affect your ability to dive, you need a doctor's clearance before diving. You cannot dive if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Suits: Certified divers. If you have not dived in the last 2 years you must complete a Scuba Review/Refresher course first; these can be arranged on most days at set times with at least 3 days' notice.

What is included

Two dives on the Ex-HMAS Brisbane
Dive briefing
Gear set-up if you'd like it, and gear washed after the dive

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A very professional operation, with a clean, spacious boat and clear briefings. The crew were attentive and even offered to change my cylinder. The highlight was two great dives on the former HMAS Brisbane and still being back before lunch.

Jeff “JD” Daniels Verified· Travelled 9th August 2026

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(5/5)

The crew ran an awesome double dive on the ex-HMAS Brisbane. Everything ran smoothly, conditions were fantastic, and the crew knew the wreck well and how best to see it.

Paul Hardy Verified· Travelled 7th August 2026

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