Wreck Dive — SS Paterson

The Perfect Introduction to Central Coast Wreck Diving

Explore the remains of the SS Paterson, one of the small coastal steamers that once worked the busy NSW coastline between Newcastle and Sydney.

Built in Sydney in 1920, the 148-foot wooden steamer met her end on 11 June 1951. After departing Cabbage Tree Bay, the Paterson sprang a leak and sank dramatically in approximately 10 metres of water, less than 300 metres from the wharf.

Being a wooden vessel lying in shallow water close to a rocky shoreline, decades of storms, swell and shifting sand have taken their toll. Salvage operations also removed much of the vessel's cargo and equipment, leaving behind a scattered but fascinating historic wreck site.

Shallow Wreck - Plenty to Explore

With depths of approximately 8 to 10 metres, the SS Paterson is an excellent introduction to wreck diving and a great second dive when you still have plenty of gas left in the cylinder.

The large fire-tube boiler is the most prominent feature of the wreck, while scattered remains extend across a surprisingly large area.

Take your time and look closely. The wreck has become part of the marine environment, with moray eels and lingsheltering amongst the remains and the occasional large wobbegong resting beneath sections of wreckage.

A Wreck Site That Changes With the Ocean

One of the fascinating features of the Paterson is that the site can change after major weather events. Heavy seas can move enormous quantities of sand, covering some sections while exposing others that may have been buried for years.

Historic items including old toothpaste tubes, jars, cutlery, plates, cups and saucers have reportedly been found around the wreck site over the years.

Look, photograph and enjoy the history,  but leave historic material where you find it.

An Excellent Wreck Training Site

The shallow depth and scattered structure make the SS Paterson particularly suitable for developing wreck-diving skills.

There are no wreck penetration opportunities, but the site provides plenty of features and obstacles for practising wreck orientation, mapping, buoyancy control, navigation and hazard identification under appropriate supervision.

Although this is a shallow dive, divers should still hold appropriate certification and experience for the planned dive, and all dives remain subject to weather, sea conditions and the assessment of the dive operator.

Boat Dive — Norah Head

The wreck is conveniently located only a short boat ride from the Cabbage Tree Bay/Norah Head launch area, making it an accessible piece of Central Coast maritime history.

Minimum numbers apply — six divers are required for the boat dive to proceed.

Start Your Wreck Diving Adventure

You don't need 40 metres of water and a massive steel ship to experience wreck diving.

The SS Paterson combines maritime history, marine life, shallow-water exploration and wreck-diving skills in one fascinating site.

Grab your buddy, book your place and come explore one of the Central Coast's historic wreck sites.