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The Wrecks of Sydney: SS Currajong
One of the most intact wrecks in the Sydney area is that of the SS Currajong, which lies in about 27m off Bradley's Head in Sydney Harbour. In a relatively shallow depth, accessible to the recreational diver, it is unfortunate that only a handful of divers ever get to splash down on this unique wreck.
Like many other Sydney area wrecks, including the Undola, Tuggerah, Annie M. Miller, Royal Shepherd, Myola and Birchgrove Park, the Currajonog is a collier that plied the waters between Sydney and the coal fields of either the Illawarra or Hunter regions. Sunk following a collision with a passenger liner, the SS Wyreema in 1910, the TSS Currajong is coming on the hundredth anniversary of its sinking in the next few years.
There are 2 things that make this wreck unique, especially from the point of view of the diver.
Firstly, the wreck is almost intact. Lying in the relatively sheltered areas of Sydney Harbour, heavy wave and water motion is relatively uncommon on this wreck site, so the wreck is not nearly as buffetted as many of the more exposed wrecks. The hull is quite intact, and much of the superstructure can still be seen. This is remarkable for any wreck that has been sunk for almost a hundred years, especially one that is in relatively shallow depths, accessible to the recreational diver.
The second thing that makes a dive on the Currajong unique is that fact that it can only be dived in the wee hours of the morning, when most normal people (as well as most divers) are soundly asleep in bed. The wreck site of the Currajong lies smack in the middle of the ferry channel used by the famous Manly Ferry, on the run between Circular Quay and Manly. Ferries have absolute right-of-way in the channel, and it is illegal for any vessel to anchor in the channel. It goes without saying that dropping divers in the water would be foolsih, at best.
The only time the Currajong can be dived is after the last Manly Ferry for the day has passed over the site. As can be seen from the timetable , as at this writing (22 May 2007), the last ferry leaves Manly at 12.20am, Monday to Saturday.
I've dived the Currajong on three occasions, and each time the protocol was that the dive boat picked us up at Little Manly, and then followed the ferry. Once the ferry was clear of the site, the dive boat anchored and we were able to dive. We dropped down onto the wreck, and then enjoyed a dive in the gloom of limited visibility and midnight. A rather surreal way to experience a wreck!
The wreck itself is absolutely covered in oysters, and there were decorator crabs everywhere. Fishlife was plentiful, with bream and mado everywhere.
It goes without saying that keeping navigation simple is the key. You do NOT want to lose the anchor line and have to ascend in the middle of the harbour. Although the ferries may have stopped, Sydney Harbour is one of the world's busiest waterways, and there is a lot of traffic, even in the early hours of the morning.
Of coruse, it is absolutely surreal to do this murky, spooky wreck dive and then to ascend in and have a million dollar view of the fabulous Sydney CBD skyline, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is one of the most memorable images I have in my mind.
Not many operators schedule visits to the wreck. You want to time a high tide (for visibility) with the last Manly Ferry and a Friday or Saturday night (for most people). The logisitics are a little complicated. If anyone is running charters to the Currajong, I would suggest it will be the fine folks from PLUNGE In To Sydney Harbour.
If you get the chance to dive the Currajong with a reputable operator, take it. Its a truly unique dive!