Due to Darwin's large fishing and diving community, many artificial reefs have been formed using everything from foreign fishing vessels to bottle-washing machines. Many sites are located inside the harbour with the outer harbour sites no more than a fast 30-minute boat ride away.
John Holland Barge Depth 24 mtrs
18mtrs in length the John Holland Barge was an old steel platform supported by several steel cylinders. She is now lying belly up and is part of the "Song Saigon Artificial Reef". An interesting dive with many nooks and crannies for fish to hide in. Fish life includes Jewfish, Snapper and Cod.
Song Saigon Depth 24 mtrs
130ft. 200 tons. The Song Saigon was a Vietnamese refugee boat that was sunk in the early 80's. She is an intact wreck sitting up-right with a large wheelhouse that holds many fish including Golden Snapper, Jewfish, Coral Trout and large Estuarine Cod. A 300lb grouper has set up camp on the wreck also. Large numbers of flathead and stonefish on this wreck.
Ham Luong Depth 24 mtrs
At only 15mtrs in length the Ham Luong is easily explored. Again a Vietnamese refugee boat she is similar in appearance to the Song Saigon and holds similar fish and coral species.
East Point Barge Depth 22 mtrs
The East Pt Barge, also known as the DSAC Barge, is an old dump barge that was sunk in the late 80's by members of the Darwin Sub Aqua Club. Later additions include a small yacht and a cement mixer. Great dive for spotting numerous species of fish.
Medkhanun 3 Depth 18 mtrs
The latest addition to Darwin's waters, the Medkhanun 3 was sunk on the 9th of August 2007. She was caught fishing illegally in Australian waters and was brought back to Darwin where she was readied for sinking. After a mere 12 months laying on the bottom of the harbour she has developed loads of corals and fish of ever increasing numbers and sizes. She is a wonder to see.
The Bottlewasher Depth 14 mtrs
As the name suggest this site was formed from a huge Bottle Washing machine. A great dive with good numbers of fish.
FV Kay Lee Depth 14 mtrs
The fishing vessel Kay Lee is sitting upright on the bottom and still very much in tact. An interesting dive with lots of fish.
Marchart III Depth 30 mtrs
32mtrs. 244 tons. The Marchart III is known as Darwin's BIG FISH dive. 300lb Groupers, schools of Giant Trevally and Golden Snapper, Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles and Mackerel are just some of the species you can encounter on a dive on the Marchart III. Located approximately 20nm out from Darwin Harbour, visibility is generally double that of the harbour.
