Tons of ammunition, a storm and an explosion – Byron Bays shipwreck | Hidden Gems #6 | ABC Australia

The allure of Byron Bay’s crystal-clear water has drawn millions of people from around the world.

But despite the destination's booming popularity, the coastal town is still home to some secrets – including one that lies just below the surface of its most popular beach.

Once a river barge, the Tassie III was turned into an ammunition ship during the Second World War.

It sunk during a storm and while no lives were lost that night, its cargo had deadly consequences in the weeks that followed.

As the decades sailed past, the ship’s name inexplicably drifted and it became known as the Tassie II until local historians uncovered the truth.

Today, you can swim to the site from the shore – if the conditions are right - and find a plethora of marine life.

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