When it comes to wreck diving, the coast of Western Australia has some of the greatest numbers and variety of wreck dives around. Following are just five area favorites, but once you start your own investigation, you’re sure to add others to the list!
HMAS Perth - Australia Dive Sites
A guided missile destroyer built for the Royal Australian Navy in 1962, the HMAS Perth was decommissioned after racking up one million nautical miles. She was sunk in King George Sound, off Seal Rock, in 2001. A great thing about this wreck site is that the preparations that went into the sinking of the ship make for easy access; e.g., holes cut into the sides of the vessel. The ship is 133 meters long and lies at 38 meters below the surface, with features accessible at 25 meters. This is an exceptional site for photos, as most of the guns are intact, as well as the mast and crow’s nest. Schools of brightly colored fish can be found in every nook and cranny, as well as larger Samson fish and occasional jewfish.
HMAS Swan - Australia Dive Sites
Sunk in 1997 off the coast of Melup Beach, the HMAS Swan lies in 31 meters of water. A submarine destroyer escort, the 112-meters-long ship retired after 26 years of service. Holes cut in the wreck’s hull fill it with light, making for greater ease of entry and exploration. The wreck teems with various fish species, including King George whiting, dhufish, bullseye, large samsons, and mullaway. In the bow area, you’ll likely find a group of resident globe fish, along with a school of batfish. Ex-HMAS Swan is an excellent dive for all levels, with great visibility and beautifully flourishing marine growth.
Sanko Harvest - Australia Dive Sites
This enormous wreck is considered ones of the better dives on Australia’s west coast, due to the clarity of Esperance’s crystalline waters and the impressive size of the wreckage. The second largest sea wreck in the world, the 174-meters-long Sanko Harvest was a Japanese carrier that sank in the mid-1980s and is now part of a marine sanctuary. Visibility is outstanding, at more than 30 meters, and you’ll be able to access the wreck at depths ranging between 30 and 55 meters. Look for weedy sea dragons, western blue groper, queen snapper, and huge rock lobsters—but no fishing is allowed!
South Tomi - Australia Dive Sites
A former West African fishing boat, The South Tomi was seized for illegal fishing of Patagonian toothfish, after a 14-day, 3,300 mile chase by Australian authorities. It was towed to almost three miles off the coast of Geraldton and sunk in 2004, where it’s become a popular artificial reef and dive spot. The South Tomi rests in 24 meters of water, with her mast just 10 meters from the surface. At the base of the boat, you’ll find rock lobsters and schools of many fish species dart through the boat’s corridors. Seaweed and coral covers every imaginable surface.
Gudrun - Australia Dive Sites
After the Gudrun was deliberately sunk in Shark Bay by a crew member in 1901, it lay undisturbed until it was rediscovered in 1989, in waters a few miles north of Cape Peron. While many artifacts were removed and placed in a maritime museum, much of the wooden wreck still remains. Anchors, deck knees, fastenings, and other fittings can be found standing in stark relief against the sandy ocean floor. The Gudrun lies in a protected sanctuary zone, and has become a haven for numerous marine inhabitants, including turtles, giant groper, rays, trevally, sweetlips, and spotted cod. Novice divers should exercise caution because of occasional strong currents, even though the wreck is in shallow water.
The above sites are only a few examples of the wealth of wreck diving you can experience along the western coast of Australia. Bring your camera and prepare to be amazed!