DestinationsClosed — checked 13 October 2026: NSW Crown Lands states that the ex-HMAS Adelaide dive site remains closed. The public should not attempt to dive here.
Why is the site closed?
The site closed in July 2024 following structural damage. Subsequent inspections documented further deterioration, including collapse of the aluminium superstructure. Identified hazards include entrapment, unstable debris and greater diving depths. Mooring buoys were removed; displaced navigation markers must not be relied on to locate safe access.
No reopening date is confirmed on the official Crown Lands update. Older descriptions of safe penetration or easy access no longer describe the site.
Location and history
The former Royal Australian Navy frigate was scuttled in 2011 as an artificial reef, about 1.8 km off Avoca Beach near Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast. Crown Lands describes a depth of approximately 32 metres.
Archive footage
These historical videos are retained for context. They do not show current access or structural conditions.
For other regions and trip options, see our Australia diving guide. Reader comments below describe past experiences.
You can dive HMAS Adelaide all year long. Access: from the Shore. See the map of HMAS Adelaide on the right for the exact location.
Fishes you may spot while diving HMAS Adelaide
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Angel Fish
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Barracuda
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Batfish
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Boxfish
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Frogfish
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Goatfish
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Lion Fish
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Lobster
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Moray Eel
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Nudibranch
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Parrotfish
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Sea Snake
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Whitetip Shark
... and more fishes & sea life, Nurse Shark, Wobbegong Shark
Photos
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Blue Nudibranch in Lembeh StraitPhoto by Rich Guest -
Lion Fish swimming in crystal clear waterPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
FrogfishPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Sea Snake Black WhitePhoto by Jihye Lee -
White Black NudibranchPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Barracuda Black FinPhoto by Yann Hubert -
Lion FishPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Yellow FrogfishPhoto by Rich Guest -
Amazing Orange Black Nudibranch SwimmingPhoto by Rich Guest -
White Nudibranch Reef Koh Lanta ReefPhoto by Rich Guest
Diving Reviews for this region
Townsville
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Cairns
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Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Reef is located on the stunning West Coast of Australia. Choose Exmouth for the North West Cape and Coral Bay for a compact reef holiday farther south. This is a fringing-reef destination with shore snorkelling, boat dives and seasonal wildlife trips; it is not part of the Great Barrier
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a small, beautiful coastal town of North Queensland famous for its beach and reef life. Its main diving choice is a day boat to the Agincourt reef system, with the Daintree area close enough for a separate land day. Do not confuse this with a liveaboard expedition to Cod Hole or Ospr
Australia
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Whitsunday Islands
When diving in the Whitsunday Islands you have two possibilities: the local spots or going further out on the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is the mainland base, while Hamilton Island offers a resort-and-airport alternative. Decide whether you want island sailing with some snorkelling or a trip d
Liveaboard Reviews in Australia
Hello I served on Hmas Adelaide if you wvr want to contact me. I had some great times and met my wife as a young sailor now 20 years married……hope the diving is good.