Image of Dave Harasti, UW photographer extraordinaire diving on rebreather in Brisbane, 2005

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The Wrecks of Sydney: Centurion

The Centurion is the wreck of a barque in Sydney Harbour that makes an interesting and easy dive for divers of all levels.

Lying in just 18m, the Centurion lies just off Quarantine Point on Sydney's North Head.  Its position is sheltered from many sea conditions, and is a good site for a second dive after diving North or South Head sites, or the wreck of the SS Royal Shepherd.

The Centurion was wrecked on 16 January 1887, not long after having set sail for Hawai'i, loaded up with a cargo of coal.

Today the wreck consists of mostly scattered wreckage on a rocky/sandy bottom.  There are some notable features, and you can take your time looking about the wreckage, especially given the relatively shallow depths of the wreck.

The site has a large plaque marking it as a site of historical significance (the wreck is 130 years old), with guidelines on responsible diving and anchoring.

Fishlife can be quite good, and there are usually one or two big wobbegong sharks on this site.

The Centurion is a great training site for the last couple of dives of an open water course, and also as an introductory wreck dive.