Five Fathom Bank is an offshore submerged reef system located roughly 30 km southwest of Perth, sitting at around 9 metres (five fathoms) depth. This extensive limestone and sand ridge runs parallel to the coast, creating a nutrient-rich upwelling zone that attracts dense schools of fish and larger pelagics. Renowned among local divers and spearfishers for its abundant marine life — including blue groper, crayfish, and tailor — this exposed offshore bank offers clear oceanic waters and a wild, open-water snorkelling experience far removed from protected inshore beaches.
Five Fathom Bank
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 3.0 knPrecipitation 0.7 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
Offshore bank exposed to open ocean currents and swell, with strong unpredictable flows.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Popular fishing and diving area with significant boat traffic; snorkelers must be vigilant.
Moderate risk: Large swell and surge
Exposed location receives significant south-westerly swell, creating surge over the shallow reef.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Open ocean water temps can drop well below 18°C, especially in winter (Jun–Aug).
Low risk: Limited shore access
Only accessible by boat; no emergency exit to shore, requiring self-sufficiency.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Five Fathom Bank is located approximately 30 km southwest of Perth, off the coast between Fremantle and Rockingham. Access is by private boat or charter only — there is no shore entry. Boat ramps at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Woodman Point, or Rockingham provide launch points.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, Woodman Point boat ramp, and Rockingham boat ramp car parks. Arrive early on weekends as lots fill quickly.
parkingboat_ramp
No entry fee, but boat launching fees may apply at some ramps (e.g. Fremantle).
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports