herbko 0 Posted November 20, 2007 I'm about to depart on a trip to the northern GBR and have a couple of days free at the end. The boat will drop us off at Port Douglas. I'd like to get in a day trip to the Yongala if possibles. Any recommendations? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drew 0 Posted November 20, 2007 Head south to Ayr which is south of Townsville. It's only about 40mins from there by a RIB. Helluva better than a ride from Townsville. I believe it was called the Yongala Express. Bring a thick towel for the camera as the RIB ride can be rough. From Ayr, they drive to a beach to launch. I personally would advise against going from Townsville especially on the day boats. 3 hours and they dive the site no matter how the current is kicking or not. Plus they have silly time restrictions on how long you can dive because of the schedule. Note they will NOT allow you to dive on EAN tables even if you pay for it. Which they don't tell you before hand. Oh yeah... DO NOT penetrate the wreck even if you drop your camera in it... they jail your american butt for that. Ask Mr Mooney or Wags to set it up for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wagsy 0 Posted November 21, 2007 Yes don't go inside, we could not even get special special permission to do it. Ayr is the way, they launch the big rib from the beach and then it's a quick ride. Might see ya there Herb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anthp 0 Posted November 21, 2007 Have fun Herb - I haven't been there yet, but it is supposed to be a wicked dive! If you are heading further south - let me know?... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonny shaw 16 Posted November 22, 2007 Awesome dive, don't bother with Townsville the liveaboard is a bloody dog of a boat and slow. As Drew said do day trips from Ayre. Can be hard to get to due to weather though... Love diving it though, Jon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wagsy 0 Posted November 22, 2007 We are going from both locations many times so will let you know how it goes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tomdecocq 0 Posted November 27, 2007 To make a day trip from Port douglas to the yongala wreck is pretty far. Port Douglas is above Cairns, and the closed way to go to the Yoangal wreck is the place Ayr, just beneath Townsville. It's a pretty far trip, because trips to the Yongala wreck are usualy pretty early in the morning. But if you still want to go, I'd recommend you to go to Ayr: http://www.yongaladive.com.au/contact-us/ I went with this organisation and i'm real pleased about this organisation!!! From Townsville a trip is about 3 hours end from Ayr just about 30 minutes!! But it's worth it!!! It was my most beatiful dive in Australia!! And I think it were my most amazing 2 dives ever!!! If you have some questions, just let me know. Greetings Tom I'm about to depart on a trip to the northern GBR and have a couple of days free at the end. The boat will drop us off at Port Douglas. I'd like to get in a day trip to the Yongala if possibles. Any recommendations? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wagsy 0 Posted November 28, 2007 I agree as it's certainly worth it and goes down as one of my best dives as well. Done 6 dives on it now with many more to come over the next couple weeks. Last night we did a arvo and night dive on it. If you come to the GBR get yourself out there, you will not be disapointed and after 100's of dives on the Exmouth Navy Pier over 12 years, Yongala beats it no problems for lots of life and big animals plus much better vis. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
