Frequently Asked Questions
The former HMAS Adelaide now serves as a world-class artificial reef and dive site. Divers from all over Australia and the world are now exploring the Adelaide. Sitting bolt upright in 32 metres of water. Consistently good water clarity and minimal swell makes for great diving.
Experience levels range from Open water divers to dive shop owners with ex servicemen who served upon the Adelaide all singing the praises of this great vessel.
Just five minutes from the boat launching ramp makes her the ideal wreck dive in the perfect diving spot, lying in 32 metres of water just 1.8 kilometres off the NSW coast
The ex HMAS Adelaide is available for diving right now.
As with most dive sites, you will skim the site in one or two dives. Remember the former HMAS ADELAIDE is 138 metres long, she will the longest ex naval vessel sunk in Australian waters as a dive wreck. This will allow divers to make at least twenty different dives plus being the most accessible ex-naval vessel to be sunk around Australia the easiest to get to.
As well as normal boat charter rates, there will be a special levy in place by the NSW government.
The levy amount is $18 per diver per day.
Double dives with Tanks and weights is $130 plus levy.
Double dive with gear rental is $155 plus levy
All divers will require a recognised scuba diving certification card issued by a recognised training agency, sign a release and purchase a dive permit before diving. Download Release here.
Open water divers with at least ten dives after their course will be able to enjoy the upper portions like the bridge and main deck of the wreck site, whilst more experienced divers will enjoy the adventurous dives.
The wreck lies in approximately 32 metres deep on a bed of sand.
In addition to the over 20 or more unique dives that you can do on the former HMAS ADELAIDE, we have 429 different dive sites already. Whatever your fancy reefs, caves, drop offs, pinnacles etc.
We provide experienced divers with a means to get to and from the dive site. Once at the dive site you will be briefed on the dive, then you and your dive buddy are free to dive independently from all others on the dive boat.
Many visitors are not accustomed to this. They are used to having a Dive Guide, Dive Master and or Instructor with them on all of their dives. If you would prefer to dive with such supervision, we can arrange this, simply call and pre-book.
Yes, you may arrange for your own private dive guide on the ex HMAS ADELAIDE.
Night diving the many local dive sites is very popular with local and visiting scuba divers. Night dives upon the wreck will be encouraged shortly.
The HMAS ADELAIDE will be a boat dive. The distance offshore will deter people from attempting a shore dive.
Yes, we are open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
Anything from 3 metres following really bad weather to 30 metres outside the wreck.
Summer visibility ranges 15 to 25 metres, whilst winter visibility is 20 to 40 metres.
Visibility inside the wreck is generally pretty good.
During the warmer months (December to April) most divers wear a 3mm or 5mm full length wetsuit. The water temperature varies with depth so if you are planning deeper dives, you may need more protection.
During the winter and cooler months (June to October) most divers prefer a hood to keep warm in our temperate waters.
It is important that you have enough protection to ensure you stay warm during any necessary safety and any deco stops, as well as to protect the skin from contact with wrecks and reefs. Divers planning to do dives with long decompression times in winter may prefer a dry suit.
Yes, we have quality dive equipment available for rent. You will find a wide selection of wetsuits, scuba units, pony bottles and nitrox fills.
Yes 40% with up to 100% for Deco stage bottles.
The Royal Australian Navy base at Balmoral and the Prince of Wales hospital at Randwick. The latter is a world-class facility with a chamber used to treat divers, plus the general public for various medical conditions.
Sydney has a very busy international airport with the major airlines flying in very regularly. There are also domestic airports at Sydney and Newcastle for those flying in from interstate, with plentiful flights each day from Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Cairns etc.
If coming in from interstate, for a more scenic, leisurely ride, you might like to travel by train from the airport. You may prefer to hire a car or recreational vehicle and drive yourself.
We also have a commercial arrangement with an Airport shuttle company, they will provide road transport to and from Sydney or Newcastle airport.
If you want to be based on the central Coast itself, you will find a wide range of quality and affordable accommodation, which can either be pre booked as part of your package or you can find something on-line to suit your budget. Check out accommodation guide
Our Dive Lodge is available for overnight and short stays. Located behind the Dive Centre we can cater for 12 divers with plenty of off street secure parking.
Check out some examples
Arrangements are in place with Central Coast Tourism on www.visitcentralcoast.com.au
You have the choice of using public transport, taxis, hire cars or your own transport. We can also arrange to pick you up and drop you back at your accommodation before and after each dive.
In winter the water temperature can be as low as 15°C (52 °F) and in summer about 24°C (68 °F). While the water is colder in winter, the visibility is typically better, which is why so many people dive all year round.
During the winter months, a 5 mm wetsuit plus hood and gloves are highly recommended.
During the summer months, most divers wear a 3mm or 5mm full length wetsuit. The water temperature varies with depth so if you're planning deeper dives you will need suitable protection.
Australian Eastern Standard Time which is UTC/GMT +10.
In the summer, daylight saving is introduced and NSW switches to UTC/GMT +11.
English at its best. Although you may also come across those who speak the local dialect known as "Strine".
G'Day Mate! Owzya goin?
Bewdy dive, No worries.
There are plenty of activities and tours for the non-diver. We have contacts who can take you horse riding, quad bike tours, what about a winery tour, perhaps you want to get a birds eye view, then try a para glide or Micro light tour. Check out the Activities brochures for more details.
There are numerous surfing beaches, tourist drives around the coast and we can also give your family a sample of what diving is all about by with a scuba "try it" dive.
The HMAS ADELAIDE has become a major draw card for divers worldwide. We expect the area to prosper with extra money to be injected into the Central Coast economy. Further attention will come to the coast as a byproduct of the marketing systems.
This means more jobs, better investment opportunity and greater potential from both local and state governments, as well as local industry.
The scuttling of the HMAS Adelaide is a win-win situation for everyone on the NSW Central Coast- Divers and non divers alike. |
