The rusting remains of the Tangalooma Wrecks, which were deliberately sunk to provide a breakwall for smaller boats

Moreton Island, the world’s third biggest sand island, is situated off the coast of southeast Queensland, Australia. The Tangalooma wrecked boats are one of Australia’s most renowned wrecks, located near the municipality of Tangalooma on Moreton Island.

Which was home to one of the largest whaling stations in the southern hemisphere during the 1950s. Imgur/Lead Photo

The Tangalooma Wrecks – Situated on the western side of Moreton Island. Source

The first of the Tangalooma Wrecks were placed in 1963, one year after the whaling station ceased operations. Source
The wrecks are made up of fifteen vessels that were purposefully sunk along the coast to make a breakwall for small boats while also producing a spectacular wreck diving and snorkel destination.

The Tangalooma Wrecks provide superb diving at depths ranging from 2 to 10 meters, with fantastic visibility up to 8 meters.

The vessels were purposely placed in the area in the 1960s to provide a natural harbour for boats. Source

The ships are stated to have been steam dredges and barges that were no longer used by the Harbours and Marine Department. Source
Their history dates back to 1963, when a group of boat owners demanded that something be done to improve anchoring and to build a man-made harbour close off the island. Their request was granted as a consequence of campaigning, and roughly fifteen junk ships were buried in a sandbank off Moreton Island.

The massive structure produced a break-wall, which acted as a safe haven for smaller boats. Old barges, dredges, and flatboats were among the retired vessels. The Maryborough was the first ship to go down in the seas.

One of the most famous wrecks in Australia. Source

Even in this shallow water, the wrecks attract an amazing amount of marine life. Source
One of the most appealing aspects of the wrecks is the diversity of water species found there, including beautiful tropical fishes, Kingfish, yellowtail, and wobbegongs. To make it a safer swimming environment, the tops have recently been chopped off and signs urging not to climb on them have been put.