Visit Fraser Coast

Tobruk Dive Centre

Official Partner

Slip beneath Hervey Bay's blue surface to explore an awe-inspiring warship reef and, in season, meet humpbacks up close. **Small-group, fully guided ex-HMAS Tobruk dives and intimate whale swim tours from Urangan Harbour with a local PADI 5 Star team.** Led by a family-run, award-winning, ecotourism-certified crew, you'll join two guided dives on Australia's ex-HMAS Tobruk, departing on demand from The Boat Club Marina, Urangan. Group sizes are capped for personalised attention, with air and ballast gear included and departures timed to tides for ideal conditions. Resting on her starboard side just north of Hervey Bay, the wreck delivers a varied depth profile spanning 12–30 m and a remarkable swim-through of close to 120 m along the main tank deck — a genuinely rare Queensland experience. Expect colourful reef fish, anemones and schooling baitfish, with grouper, cod, wobbegong and rays on the sand for experienced divers. From July to October, join a dedicated whale swim and watch experience with strictly limited numbers and all swim gear provided — a premium way to encounter humpbacks in Australia's Whale Watch heartland. The centre also offers PADI training from beginner to Divemaster, plus kayak, snorkel and underwater scooter tours. Bring your certification and logbook; full gear hire is available. On-board toilet and ample parking make logistics easy, and the team can advise on accommodation near the harbour. Browse and click through to the operator website to plan and book. What makes the ex-HMAS Tobruk dive special? Riveting scale and access. The wreck lies on her starboard side, offering a varied 12–30 m depth range and a swim-through of nearly 120 m along the main tank deck — a rare experience in Queensland — with abundant marine life throughout. When do tours run and how long are they? Wreck dive tours run on demand year-round, with departure times adjusted each day to align with favourable tidal conditions. You'll complete two fully guided dives in around five hours on the water, maximising bottom time and safety. Where do trips depart and how big are the groups? All tours head off from The Boat Club Marina at Urangan Harbour, Hervey Bay. Two high-speed dive vessels operate with strictly limited numbers — no more than 10 divers per trip — for personalised guidance and comfort. What certification and gear do I need? Open Water and Advanced divers will both find suitable sections to explore. Bring your certification card/logbook. Air and weights are supplied; full equipment hire is available. A torch is recommended, plus a towel, warm jacket, hat and camera. Can I swim with whales too? Yes. During the annual humpback migration from July to October, dedicated small-boat whale swim and watch tours operate with limited numbers and all swim gear provided for a safe, up-close encounter in Hervey Bay's renowned whale season.

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Cruise, Sailing & Water Tours
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Tours & experiences

  • Hervey Bay Dive Centre

    <p>Hervey Bay Dive Centre is the Fraser Coast's go-to operator for underwater adventures — offering swim-with-whales tours, guided wreck dives, and PADI training from their base at the Boat Club Marina in Urangan. This family-owned, PADI 5 Star rated centre holds a Best of Queensland Experience accreditation and a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, reflecting their long-standing commitment to quality and safety.</p><h2>What is the Swim with Whales tour at Hervey Bay Dive Centre?</h2><p>The Swim with Whales tour runs aboard MV Coral Gypsy during Hervey Bay's humpback whale season (mid-July to mid-September). Tours are kept deliberately small — capped at 12 participants — so each guest enjoys a genuinely personal encounter with these gentle giants in their natural environment. All snorkelling gear, including wetsuits, masks and snorkels, is supplied, and refreshments are served depending on your departure time.</p><h2>Can I dive the ex-HMAS Tobruk from Hervey Bay?</h2><p>Yes. The centre runs year-round guided dives on the ex-HMAS Tobruk, a former Royal Australian Navy landing ship scuttled in Wide Bay in 2018 and now recognised as Australia's largest military dive wreck. The vessel rests on her starboard side not far offshore. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 10 divers and includes two guided dives, tanks, weights, and hot drinks throughout the day.</p><h2>What local dive sites are available near Hervey Bay?</h2><p>The Great Sandy Marine Park is home to an impressive collection of local wrecks and artificial reefs accessible year-round. Notable sites include the Goori, K'gari and Iron Maria wrecks, a cluster known as the 3 Ships (comprising the Pelican, Otter and Lass O'Gowrie wrecks), the Hardy and Simpson artificial reefs, the Snapper Grounds and Duck Island. Local wreck tours run for approximately three hours, departing from Urangan Harbour.</p><h2>Does Hervey Bay Dive Centre offer PADI courses?</h2><p>Yes. Qualified PADI instructors deliver a full range of certifications, from introductory Discover Scuba sessions through to Divemaster level. Private charters are also available for groups and special occasions.</p><p>All tours leave from the centre's waterfront facility at the Boat Club Marina, Urangan — conveniently located for visitors staying along the Hervey Bay foreshore. Book directly through the operator's website to confirm your spot.</p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><dl><dt>When does whale season run in Hervey Bay?</dt><dd>Humpback whale season in Hervey Bay typically runs from mid-July to mid-September each year.</dd><dt>How many people are on a Swim with Whales tour?</dt><dd>Tours are capped at 12 participants, keeping the experience intimate and minimising disturbance to the whales.</dd><dt>Do I need diving experience to join a tour?</dt><dd>No prior diving experience is needed for the Swim with Whales tour. For wreck dives on the ex-HMAS Tobruk and local sites, appropriate certification is required. The centre also offers PADI courses for all levels.</dd><dt>Where does Hervey Bay Dive Centre depart from?</dt><dd>All tours depart from the Boat Club Marina in Urangan, Hervey Bay.</dd></dl>