The SS Macedon is a 64-metre iron-hulled steamship wrecked in 1883 on Rottnest Island's northern reef, resting in just 5–12 metres of water. Its upright boiler encrusted with colourful sponge and weed is the centrepiece, surrounded by a scattered debris field of twisted hull plating, machinery fragments, and the original half-buried anchor. This sheltered, shallow site offers excellent snorkelling with natural light reaching the bottom, schools of fish, and the chance to explore a genuine 19th-century colonial shipwreck.
Macedon Wreck
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SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.8 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 3.1 knPrecipitation 0.8 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: North-westerly swell surge
The site is exposed to north-westerly weather systems, which create surge at the wreck and can close boat access.
Low risk: Sand movement / burial
The wreck can be partially buried by shifting sand, changing the site layout and reducing visibility of features.
Low risk: Boat traffic near mooring
Access is via a public mooring; snorkellers should be aware of charter boats arriving and departing.
Low risk: Marine growth - sharp encrustation
The wreck is heavily encrusted with sponge, barnacles, and bivalves - contact can cause cuts and damages the heritage structure.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The wreck lies on Rottnest Island's northern reef, ~1.5 km east of Geordie Bay. Access is by boat charter from Fremantle (25-minute crossing) or by joining a Rottnest day trip. The Rottnest Express ferry runs from Fremantle, North Fremantle, and Hillarys to the island every 30-60 minutes through the season. The wreck site is marked by a public mooring buoy.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Rottnest Express dedicated car park at Northport, Rous Head, Fremantle. On Rottnest Island, bicycles are the primary transport; no private vehicle access to the wreck site.
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Rottnest Island Authority charges a daily landing fee for all visitors arriving by ferry. Check current rates online before booking.
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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