The wrecks of the 1942 Darwin air raid, cut down to their lower hulls by salvors in 1959-60, are dived on guided permit trips to sites like the Mauna Loa at 19m.
Visibility at Darwin Harbour Wrecks
Visibility at Darwin Harbour Wrecks typically ranges from 2 to 15 metres, though it shifts with swell, wind and recent rainfall. June-September (dry season, outside the 1 October to 1 June stinger season) generally offers the best conditions for diving here.
Right now: approximately 8 m, 98% confidence (updated 23:37 AEDT).
View the live forecast and 7-day outlook for Darwin Harbour Wrecks →
Region: Darwin, NT
Skill Level: Advanced
Depth: 16-22m
Water Temperature: 26-30°C
Visibility: 2-15m
Best Time to Dive: June-September (dry season, outside the 1 October to 1 June stinger season)
Marine Life: Turtles; sharks; manta rays; dolphins; cuttlefish; nudibranchs; schooling fish; soft corals
Hazards: Strong, complex tidal currents (spring range up to 7.8m); visibility can fall to 2-3m; box jellyfish, most likely 1 October to 1 June but recorded in every month; saltwater crocodiles in the harbour; unexploded ordnance on some wrecks, do not touch; working-port shipping traffic
Facilities: Guided boat dives with Dive Darwin from Dock 2, Stokes Hill Wharf; heritage permits, guide and scuba gear included in tours; PADI Advanced certification and minimum age 15 required