Image of Dave Harasti, UW photographer extraordinaire diving on rebreather in Brisbane, 2005

Newsletter

The Wrecks of Sydney: SS Undola

Sunk in 1918, the SS Undola was a small coastal steamer which primarily plied the waters between the Illawarra and Sydney, ferrying coal. Theories abound as to what caused its sinking, ranging from a combination of large seas, speculation that hatches hadn’t been properly covered and had flooed, to the idea that she may have hit a mine laid by a German raider. Although we are unlikely to ever know what really happened, there is no evidence to suggest any form of explosion on the wreck today.

Today the Undola lies in 40-45m, at the Southern end of the Royal National Park. A long ride by charter boat from either Cronulla or Wollongong, the Undola is a fabulous little wreck to dive. Although much of the superstructure has long gone, the shape of the ship is still very much intact, and some of the machinery is easily recognisable on the decks. The distinctive shapes of the boiler, prop, rudder and winch at the stern coupled with the wrecks most famous landmark on the bow - the toilet - provide interesting scenes to ponder when diving this wreck.

Absolutely covered in fish, the Undola and the nearby wreck of the Tuggerah, would have to be the best two wrecks around Sydney when it comes to growth and fishlife. Once when descending to the Undola I could make out the sandy bottom next to the wreck from 22m, but could not see the wreck itself for the schools of nannygai, bullseye and yellowtail.

A great wreck, I would heartily recommend it as a dive to anyone trained, equipped and experienced for a deep dive.

One of my best dives was on the Undola. See the Memorable Dives page to see a description of a dive on this great little wreck.

My favourite dive operator in the southern part of Sydney is Sea Tamer Dive Charters , who regularly schedule dives to the Undola.