Diving the HMAS Brisbane is an experience like no other. If you’re thinking of taking part in an exploratory dive of the ship’s wreck, there are some things that you’ll want to be on the lookout for when you’re down there.
Here’s a checklist of the top 7 things that you’ll definitely want to take the time to find when you dive the HMAS Brisbane. Doing so will make the experience even more memorable for you and whoever you’re planning on diving with. So read on to find out more of these 7 things.
1. Resident Hawksbill Turtle
One of the things that people most want to see when they’re diving the HMAS Brisbane is the resident Hawksbill turtle; in fact, there’s two of them. These are beautiful creatures and they’re known to have made the wreck of the HMAS Brisbane their home. When you’re down there, you should be able to catch a glimpse of them if you’re lucky. The Hawksbill sea turtle is a critically endangered species, so catching a glimpse of them is always a huge honour.
2. Spotted Eagle Rays
Another wonderful marine species that you’ll be able to spot as you dive the HMAS Brisbane is the spotted eagle rays. These can’t be seen all year round, but if you’re diving between December and February, you might find that you’re lucky enough to spot them. In recent years, as many as 30 have been in the seas around where the wreck of HMAS Brisbane is located. Seeing that many of them in one location is a sight that’s truly majestic.
3. Queensland Grouper
The Queensland Grouper, also known as the Giant Grouper is a species of marine ray-finned fish and they’re known to reside in the area around HMAS Brisbane. The biggest ones you’re likely to see weigh around 200 to 250Kg. There’s known to be at least 4 resident Queensland Groupers in this location. You’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for them as you dive in this location. They’re usually coloured mottled-brown and have very stocky bodies, making them easy to spot.
4. Control Room
The control room is the part of the boat where all the action took place when HMAS Brisbane was in action. When you dive down there today, you can see many of the kill switches and controls still very much intact and on display. The pink and yellow sun corals that are now flourishing in this part of the ship are stunning, and there are plenty of crayfish and bail fish found here too. It’s no coincidence that this is part of the ship many people want to head to most. And it’s the shallowest room in the ship, making it easy to swim to as well.
5. Engine Room
If the control room is the brain of the HMAS Brisbane, the engine room was once its beating heart. It’s the deepest and darkest room in the wreck, and that’s why it’s understandable that so many people want to head down there on their dive. It’s also the biggest room in the wreck. It’s certainly an interesting room, but you’ll have to dive down between 19 and 28 metres if you want to see it for yourself.
6. Front Gun
Another part of the ship many people rush to when they’re diving down to the HMAS Brisbane is the front gun. As the name suggests, it’s a huge gun that sits on the front of the ship. For obvious reasons, it’s a great background for selfies, and most people who dive the HMAS Brisbane want to get a selfie with the big gun behind them. You’ll definitely have a chance to do that when you’re down there and inspect the gun for yourself up close.
7. Front Stack
The front end smoke stack towers above the ship, and as you explore the wreck of the HMAS Brisbane, you’ll have the chance to swim down the stack. It’s something that most people diving the wreck for the first time want to do and it’s not hard to see why. It offers an experience like no other and gives a real adrenaline buzz.
Diving HMAS Brisbane offers an experience like no other, and you’ll be able to find all of the things discussed above, as well as plenty more. So if you’re interested in taking part in a dive down to the wreck of the HMAS Brisbane, don’t hesitate to get in touch and make a booking with us.