Tropical North Queensland, located along the coast of Queensland, Australia, is home to a diverse range of shipwrecks that attract adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Over 1000 ships have been wrecked off the coast of Queensland, with many of them still waiting to be discovered. Some of the most notable shipwrecks in the region include the RMS Quetta, Hinchinbrook Island Shipwreck, Mermaid, and Yongala.
The RMS Quetta, a 120-meter passenger and cargo ship that sank in 1890 after hitting an uncharted rock north of Cape York, is now a popular dive site resting on its port side in 18 meters of water. The Hinchinbrook Island Shipwreck, discovered in 2011 after being buried deep below the sand for over 130 years, was unearthed by Cyclone Yasi and is now exposed for public viewing, protected under the Queensland Heritage Act. The Mermaid, an early 19th-century shipwreck rediscovered in 2009 on Flora Reef, was used by Phillip Parker King for coastal surveys.
The Yongala, known as "Australia's Titanic," is one of the most intact historic shipwrecks in Australian waters, with the 100-meter long steamship sinking in 1911 and becoming a renowned diving site since its discovery in 1958. These shipwrecks, among others, provide a glimpse into the rich maritime history of Tropical North Queensland, offering a unique underwater world for exploration through diving and snorkeling expeditions. Preservation and protection of these sites are crucial to safeguard their archaeological and historic heritage for future generations.