This dive site is the Cementco Wreck, a 67-meter long hopper barge that served Brisbane's Moreton Bay transporting fossilised coral for cement production. In 1985, while being prepared for scuttling as an artificial reef off Moreton Island, it prematurely sank in rough weather, landing upside down on the seabed at a depth of 25 meters, now reported to be up to 27 meters maximum. Divers navigate the exterior of the inverted hull, which provides a unique structural landscape and a fascinating glimpse into its past.
As an established artificial reef, the Cementco Wreck is teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of various reef fish such as snapper, trevally, and batfish. The wreck's surfaces are colonized by soft corals and anemones, providing habitat for a diverse array of macro life, including nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps. Wobbegong sharks are also known to frequent the wreck, often found resting amongst the structure.
The best time to visit the Cementco Wreck is generally during the cooler, drier months (May to September) when visibility tends to be clearer, though warmer water in summer (December to February) can also be pleasant. Divers should possess good buoyancy control due to the wreck environment and potential variable currents. For freedivers, the average depth of 13 meters allows exploration of the upper parts of the wreck, but caution is advised due to the maximum depth and potential overhead hazards of the inverted structure.
