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 Scuttled in mid 2005 as an artificial reef, the former destroyer, ex HMAS Brisbane is attracting a growing number of divers from around the country and around the world. Being on a sandy floor in 27 metres of water, she seems to be in the perfect diving spot. Sitting bolt upright the HMAS Brisbane has 12 to 15 metres of water over her forward decks and 18 metres over her stern. Consistently good water clarity and minimal swell makes for great diving.
There is certainly a lot of ship to see. Just cruising around the outside, its sheer size makes it an awesome sight. Water temperatures range from 17C in winter to a summer high of 27C. Visibility averages around 15 metres but up to 20 metres or more is not uncommon.
 Environmental studies commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency and conducted by scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Queensland Museum confirm the diversity of marine life that has made the Brisbane home.
A resident school of predatory yellow tailed king fish now ‘buzz’ the schools of bait fish that surround the HMAS Brisbane. Local inhabitants include a large bull ray, angler fish, lion fish, blennies, nudibranchs, sea hares, squid and a small school of juvenile snapper. Other visitors include a shovelled nose ray, greasy cod and eagle rays. An octopus has made a home in a pyrotechnic tube on the deck.
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