The HMAS Swan — a 120-metre-long destroyer scuttled in 1997 — rests 3 nautical miles off Cape Naturaliste, creating one of Western Australia's premier wreck dives. The crow's nest rises to just 8 m, allowing snorkellers and freedivers to hover over the top deck at 17 m, while the stern plunges to 32 m where Wobbegong sharks laze on the sand. Hard and soft corals, sea fans and sponges drape every surface, with curious Batfish greeting visitors at descent. Between September and November, migrating Humpback Whales pass through Geographe Bay and their songs can sometimes be heard underwater.
Swan Wreck (dive site)
IntermediateSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 2.0 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 4.9 knPrecipitation 0.7 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Ocean currents around Cape Naturaliste can be strong, especially on the surface. Best dived in calm conditions.
Moderate risk: Depth hazard
The wreck lies between 8 m and 32 m. The deeper sections (below 18 m) require advanced dive certification and careful air management.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Located 3 nautical miles offshore; dive boats operate in the area and vessel traffic may be present.
Low risk: Cold water temperatures
Southern Ocean waters can be 15–20°C depending on season; thicker wetsuits recommended.
Low risk: Low visibility after storms
Winter storms and strong swells can reduce visibility significantly on the wreck.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The wreck lies 3 nautical miles off Cape Naturaliste, near Dunsborough in Western Australia's South West region. Access is exclusively by boat, with several local dive operators running trips from Dunsborough and Busselton.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Dunsborough boat ramp or at Swan Dive's base in Dunsborough. Street parking also available.
toiletsparkingboat_ramp
Dive permits may be required. Commercial dive tours from Swan Dive and other operators range from approximately $150–$250 per person including gear.
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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