Ex-HMAS Adelaide
The newest of our recreational dive sites is the Ex-HMAS Adelaide. It was scuttled on 13th April 2011 and is quickly becoming a world class artificial reef, with cuttlefish, yellowtail and oldwives already taking up residence. Scuba Shack Charters schedules dives regularly on weekends and can arrange weekday dives.
It is only a short 30 minute boat trip from Ettalong Public Wharf, our pick up location. However, for group bookings of 4 or more to the Ex–HMAS Adelaide dive site we can arrange pick up from Terrigal Haven or Palm Beach. Ettalong is located only 1 hour from Sydney and has the added benefit of easily accessible parking and wharf pick up and drop off.
Specifications
The ship is 138.1 metres long, with a beam of 14.3 metres and originally displaced 4100 tonnes. It could reach speeds of up to 30 knots and could be underway from a cold start in under 30 minutes. It could accommodate up to two Seahawk helicopters and various armament including rapid fire, missiles and torpedoes. It could accommodate a company of up to 221.
History
The HMAS Adelaide II (FFG-1) was a long-range escort frigate. It was commissioned 15th November 1980 and had roles including air defence, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction. The HMAS Adelaide II participated in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, peacekeeping operations in East Timor in 1999 and 2006 and was deployed to the Arabian Gulf in 2001 and 2004. HMAS Adelaide II was decommissioned 19th January 2008 and was gifted to the NSW Government by the Australian Government in June 2008 and is now known as Ex-HMAS Adelaide.
The Dive Site
Ex-HMAS Adelaide was scuttled on a beautiful sunny day on 13th April 2011. She now lies 1.8km off Avoca Beach, at a depth of approximately 35 meters of water and continues to slowly bed into the sandy bottom.
Barnacle varieties and algae are now growing all over the ship and fish life has already taken residence.
Scuba Shack Charters has access to two commercial moorings and dive these regularly.
Drift down to the bow and take the classic "Titanic" picture, then make your way to the Captain's chair where you can sit and take in the view. Move along to midship and see the mast and view the
helicopter hangers.
You must have a valid dive certification to scuba dive the Ex-HMAS Adelaide wreck and have been diving in the last 12 months. The wreck is suited to divers of all levels, however some experience is required before penetration is permitted.
Prices
All double dives are inclusive of your second cylinder, morning tea, and a bottle of water. These prices are current as of May 2011 and may be subject to price changes.
Single Dive |
2 Hour Double Dive |
4 Hour Double Dive |
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Own Gear |
$70 | $120 | $135 | |
Tank and Weights |
$90 | $140 | $155 | |
Full Gear Hire |
$130 | $180 | $200 | |
Nitrox fills |
These can be provided at reasonable rates. Please call at least 48hours prior to your dive to arrange and extend your bottom time. | |||
Booking Fee |
On confirmation of your booking, a booking fee of $40 required. This is payable via direct deposit or credit card (Visa and Mastercard) over the phone. This fee is deducted from the total payable. | |||
Daily Permit |
Please note all persons entering the EX-HMAS Adelaide Marine Park are required by NSW Government Crowns Lands Division to purchase a daily permit for the date of issue and in conjunction with a valid mooring booking at a cost of $18 per day
Click HERE to go to the Central Coast Tourism website or call (02) 4343 4444 to book your permit ($18) for the date of your booked dive with Scuba Shack Charters. You must bring a copy of your permit on board on the day of your dive, along with your certification card.
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Cancellations |
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