Long Reach Beach at Point Peron, within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, offers a superb shore-entry snorkel spot just an hour south of Perth. The central sheltered bay provides easy step access onto a sandy beach, leading to seagrass meadows and kelp forests teeming with juvenile fish, cowfish, pufferfish, crustaceans, and nudibranchs. Limestone rock formations create dramatic underwater peaks, valleys, and swim-throughs to explore. Venture 60m offshore to a sandy patch where stingrays and eagle rays glide, while the outer reef beyond the yellow marine buoy opens to deeper water (7m+) frequented by dolphins, seals, and schooling sharks — for experienced snorkelers only.
Long Reach Beach (Point Peron shore entry)
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Large sharks in outer waters
Beyond the yellow marine buoy the water depth exceeds 7 m and snorkelers may swim up to 1 km offshore. Hammerhead, bronze whaler and bull sharks have been reported in the area.
Moderate risk: Offshore current and surge
Outer reef and open water beyond the yellow marine buoy experience significant swell, surge, and currents. Unsuitable for beginners.
Moderate risk: Shark presence
Hammerhead, bronze whaler, bull and other sharks are known to frequent the deeper offshore waters (7+ m, up to 1 km out).
Moderate risk: Shark presence in open water
Schools of hammerhead, bronze whaler, and bull sharks are known to frequent the deeper water (7m+) beyond the outer reef, up to 1km offshore.
Low risk: Swell and surge on outer reef
The outer reef can experience significant surge and wave action, especially during southerly or westerly winds. Not suitable for beginners.
Low risk: Wind and swell-driven currents
Winds exceeding 10 km/h and swell above 1 m reduce visibility and create choppy conditions in the central bay.
Low risk: Sharp limestone rocks
Sharp limestone rocks line the bay edges and near-shore reefs. Cuts and scrapes are possible when entering or exiting the water.
Low risk: Marine traffic
Boat ramp and nearby causeway to Garden Island see vessel traffic; snorkelers should stay vigilant near channels.
Low risk: Limestone reef edges
Sharp limestone rock formations and rocky ledges can cause cuts and scrapes when entering or exiting.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat launching facilities at Point Peron mean vessel traffic near the snorkeling area, especially on weekends and holidays.
Low risk: Strong outgoing tide current
Tidal currents can sweep snorkelers outward from the central bay through the channel created by limestone rocks.
Wildlife Guide
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Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Point Peron is about 50 minutes south of Perth. From Rockingham, follow Point Peron Road to the end. The main carpark closest to the water has steps down to the central sandy bay. Public transport: train to Rockingham station, then bus 551 to Safety Bay Road and Parkin Road, then a 1km coastal walk.
Multiple bitumen car parks along Point Peron Road. The main carpark nearest the entry steps fills early on weekends and summer holidays.
No entry fee. Part of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park — no permits required for recreational snorkeling.
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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.