About the Ex-HMAS Tobruk

The Ex-HMAS Tobruk was constructed for the Royal Australian Navy to fulfil heavy landing capabilities of the Australian military.

About the ship

The Tobruk was a of the Royal Australian Navy. She was planned in the 1970's to provide the Australian Army with a dedicated sealift option. She was built from 1978 to 1980 by Carrington Slipways on the Hunter River near Newcastle, New South Wales. She was launched in 1980 and commissioned the following year.

Designed as a flexible roll-on/off heavy lift transport HMAS Tobruk's defining feature was her massive "barn-door" bow doors. Utilising this feature with her stern door and reinforced deck running the length of the ship, Tobruk could carry up to 500 soldiers plus cargo or vehicles. Once loaded she could deploy troops and vehicles directly by beaching.

Diving the Tobruk 

Classed as a Landing Ship Heavy, the Tobruk is huge and boasts some unique features that set her apart as a dive wreck.

There are plenty interesting dive opportunities and challenges for all certified divers from beginners to experienced veterans.

Highlights include

• Tank deck - the cavernous main cargo deck has too be seen to behold and dominates the massive vessel from bow to stern.
• Galley & Mess
• Engine Room
• Bridge

The ship rests 25 nautical miles North of Hervey Bay and 22 nautical miles East South East of Bundaberg. The journey out to the wreck varies depending on the vessel used but most take around one hour.

Sitting on the seabed in about 27 metres of water the Tobruk's uppermost features are visible just metres below the surface.

Wildlife you may encounter

You can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine life when diving the ship.

• Fish
• Coral

Ex-HMAS Tobruk features

• Length: 127 metres
• Beam: 18.3 metres
• Draught: 4.9 metres
• Pennant: L-50
• Displacement: 3,353 tonnes
• Commissioned: 23 April 1981
• Built: Carrington Slipways, Pty Ltd, New South Wales
• Laid Down: 7 February 1978
• Launched: 1 March 1980