Lonsdale Bommies - Victoria

The P-47 Plane Wreck isn't just another Raja Ampat dive. Forty-five minutes from Soul Scuba Divers, this American P-47D aircraft sits upright at 26-33 metres, a silent sentinel from WWII. We love the way the wreck is completely colonised, not just by soft corals, but by some truly unique residents. As you descend, the plane emerges from the blue, surprisingly intact. The cockpit is still recognisable, though crammed with Ghost and Yellowlined Cardinalfish, all darting amongst the gauges. We’ve had incredible luck finding Flasher Scorpionfish here, tucked into crevices, their camouflage almost perfect against the corroded metal. Keep an eye out for flatheads resting on the wings, too – they're masters of blending in. Exploring the fuselage, you'll see large groupers and snappers cruising by, sometimes even peering inside. The surrounding seagrass beds, a mix of *Cymodocea* and *Thalassia*, hold their own secrets, often yielding tiny wrasse and damsel fish. Visibility averages a decent 19 metres, giving you a good view of the plane's structure and the constant ballet of fish around it. This site offers a fantastic blend of history and biology, perfect for those who appreciate wrecks teeming with life rather than just skeletal remains.

Location

Victoria, Australia, Australasia

Coordinates

-38.304700, 144.610700

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Port Phillip Heads