The SS Macleay was a collier similar in type and purpose to the nearby Oakland wreck, lost off Port Stephens in 1911 and today resting at a genuinely challenging 42 metres, a depth that places this firmly in advanced and near-technical diving territory rather than standard recreational range. Unlike the more thoroughly collapsed Oakland, the Macleay's engine and boiler have survived in relatively good condition, giving divers a clearer sense of the vessel's mechanical layout than is often possible on century-old, badly degraded colliers, and these substantial iron and steel components form the main structural highlight of the dive. Marine life here leans toward larger, deeper-water species that favour the wreck's scale and the surrounding open sand: mulloway and morwong are both present in good numbers, taking advantage of the shelter and the baitfish activity the structure attracts, similar in principle to the Oakland but at a depth that limits accessibility to a smaller pool of qualified divers.

Visibility here can be more variable than at the region's shallower sites, adding a further layer of challenge to what is already a depth-limited, short-bottom-time dive. Given the 42-metre depth, this is a dive for genuinely experienced, ideally nitrox or technically trained divers with a specific interest in Port Stephens' deeper wreck history, and it is offered only occasionally rather than as part of any standard charter schedule — anyone planning a visit specifically for this wreck should contact a Nelson Bay operator well in advance to confirm it can be arranged.

Reached by dedicated technical/deep wreck-diving charter from Nelson Bay; given the depth, this is a specialist trip rather than a standard offering — book directly with Feet First Dive or Let's Go Adventures to confirm availability and diver qualification requirements.

The Port Stephens islands sit on the open coast just outside the harbour and are exposed to ocean swell, though generally less so than Broughton Island given their closer, more sheltered position relative to Tomaree Head and the harbour entrance. Operators choose the specific island and side to dive based on the day's wind and swell direction. Visibility is typically 8-20 m and best in settled autumn/winter weather; it drops after rain and in a strong onshore blow.

Descend the shot line directly onto the engine and boiler, the best-preserved sections of the wreck, and work a short, planned circuit given the 42 m depth, watching for large mulloway and morwong using the structure, before a conservative ascent with a safety stop given the depth involved.

Effectively a deep/technical dive; nitrox or trimix strongly recommended depending on training and agency limits; plan conservative bottom time and a safety stop given the depth.

Occasional dedicated deep wreck charters via Feet First Dive or Let's Go Adventures (Nelson Bay), or private technical dive groups; not a standard schedule item.