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Henrietta Rocks

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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 0.7 knPrecipitation 0.5 mmTidal Phase ebb

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Primary photo of Henrietta Rocks

The spot

Community-maintained

Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

Just off Rottnest Island's northeastern shore, Henrietta Rocks is a spectacular snorkeling site centered around the historic wreck of the SS Shark. This 19th-century iron steamship lies in shallow, crystal-clear water just 20 metres from the beach, encrusted with vibrant corals and thriving with fish life. The surrounding limestone reef forms a natural cove with calm, protected waters, making it easy to swim out to the wreck and explore. With its white sandy beach, turquoise lagoon, and the haunting silhouette of the wreck just below the surface, Henrietta Rocks offers one of the most accessible and rewarding snorkeling experiences in the Perth region.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • Moderate risk: Stinging Jellyfish

    Box jellyfish and bluebottles can occasionally be present during warmer months in nearshore waters.

  • Moderate risk: Strong offshore winds

    Southerly sea breezes can pick up quickly in the afternoon, making conditions choppy and creating a risk of being blown offshore.

  • Low risk: Swell and Surge

    Southern and western beaches (e.g., Strickland Bay) can experience strong swell and wave surge, especially in winter months.

  • Low risk: Strong Winds

    Afternoon sea breezes (the 'Fremantle Doctor') can pick up suddenly, creating choppy surface conditions and making swimming back to shore tiring.

  • Low risk: Boat Traffic

    Ferries, charter vessels, and private boats operate year-round in the main channels near Thomson Bay and the jetty area.

  • Low risk: Sharp limestone reef

    The limestone reef formations have sharp edges; cuts and scrapes are common without reef shoes or fins.

  • Low risk: Sharp limestone reef edges

    The reef surrounding the wreck has sharp limestone edges that can cut exposed skin. Wear reef shoes or fins.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic near wreck

    The wreck site is occasionally visited by small boats and kayaks. Stay aware of your surroundings.

  • Low risk: Changing tide conditions

    Water clarity and current can shift with the tide. Check conditions before entering and avoid strong outgoing tides.

  • Low risk: Sharp reef limestone

    The limestone reef edge has sharp, jagged edges that can cause cuts and scrapes. Wear reef shoes or fins.

  • Low risk: Sharp wreckage

    Exposed metal and broken sections of the Shark shipwreck can cause cuts if touched.

  • Low risk: Boat traffic

    The spot is offshore near a navigation channel; occasional boat traffic nearby.

  • Low risk: Marine stingers (summer)

    Warmer summer waters may bring box jellyfish and other marine stingers.

Wildlife Guide

No wildlife notes for this spot yet.

7 photos from the community

Getting in

Shore entry
Entry

From the main settlement on Rottnest Island, Henrietta Rocks is about a 30-minute walk east along the coastline or an 8-minute bike ride. Follow the sealed path past the golf course towards the northeastern side of the island. The Rottnest Island bus also stops nearby.

Parking & facilities

Bicycle racks are available near the beach; no car parking on Rottnest Island — visitors use bicycles or the bus service.

parking

No additional fee beyond Rottnest Island entry and ferry costs. Bicycle hire or bus pass extra.

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Gallery ┬╖ 7 photos

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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