The former HMAS Perth (D 38), a 133-metre guided-missile destroyer that served in the Vietnam War, was scuttled off Seal Island in King George Sound on 24 November 2001 to create a world-class artificial reef. Today it rests upright on a sandy seabed in clear waters, encrusted with colourful sponges, soft corals, and gorgonian fans. Snorkelers can explore the upper deck and superstructure from the surface, while divers follow an interpretive trail past remnant shellfire scars, seeing how the wreck has transformed into a thriving marine habitat. Humpback whales frequent the sound during their annual migration, adding a spectacular backdrop.
HMAS Perth (D 38) Dive Wreck
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.9 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 2.6 knPrecipitation 3.7 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
HMAS Perth (D 38) Dive Wreck has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Depth and entanglement hazards danger
Snorkelers should stay on the surface; the wreck descends to 35m and interior spaces present entanglement risk for scuba divers.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Depth and entanglement hazards
Snorkelers should stay on the surface; the wreck descends to 35m and interior spaces present entanglement risk for scuba divers.
Moderate risk: Marine traffic
The wreck is in a busy sound used by commercial and recreational vessels; maintain awareness at the surface.
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
King George Sound can experience tidal surges and strong currents that sweep around the wreck structure, requiring good fitness and experience.
Moderate risk: Boat traffic
The site is accessible only by boat and charter vessels operate in the area; divers/snorkelers must be vigilant for vessel movements.
Low risk: Strong currents in King George Sound
Tidal currents can be strong around Seal Island and the wreck site, especially during tide changes.
Low risk: Cold water temperature
Southern Ocean waters average 14-17°C year-round; prolonged exposure can cause hypothermia without adequate wetsuit.
Low risk: Depth hazard for snorkelers
While the upper structure is accessible from the surface, the wreck drops to 27m; snorkelers should stay within their limits.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Water temperatures in the Southern Ocean can drop significantly, especially during winter months, increasing risk of hypothermia.
Low risk: Limited visibility
Visibility can vary greatly with weather conditions and swell, occasionally dropping below 5 metres.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The wreck lies approximately 500m southwest of Seal Island in King George Sound, Albany. Boat access is required — several charter operators run dive/snorkel trips from Albany's marina or Emu Point. Private vessels can launch from Emu Point boat ramp or the Albany marina.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Emu Point boat ramp and Albany Marina.
parkingboat_ramptoilets
Charter dive/snorkel trips range from $100–$200 per person. No fee for private boat access.
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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