The D9 is a retired dredge intentionally sunk in 1962 in the sheltered waters of Cockburn Sound, about 3 km offshore from Kwinana, Perth. Sitting upright in 12 m of sand, this intact wreck offers snorkelers and divers a fascinating swim-through with passageways cutting through the vessel. Massive steel structures, window cut-outs, and nooks to explore make it feel like flying through a forgotten ship. The calm, sheltered Sound often imparts a greenish hue to the water, adding an eerie atmosphere. Schools of bullseyes, angelfish, and scorpionfish patrol the interior, while Wobbegong sharks can sometimes be spotted resting on the sand beside the hull.
The D9 (wreck dive)
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 3.9 knPrecipitation 0.9 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Boat traffic
Cockburn Sound is an active shipping channel and recreational boating area. Snorkelers must be vigilant for vessel traffic and surface with care.
Moderate risk: Strong currents
Tidal currents can run through Cockburn Sound, particularly during larger tide movements, requiring good fitness and timing.
Low risk: Limited visibility
Sheltered waters can have a greenish tinge and reduced visibility, especially after windy conditions or rain, making navigation more challenging.
Low risk: Silt
Fine silt on the wreck interior can be easily stirred up by fins, reducing visibility to near-zero inside passageways. Go slow and avoid touching the bottom.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
The D9 lies approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) west of the Alcoa Jetty in Cockburn Sound, Kwinana. Access is by boat only — roughly 1 hour from Fremantle or from the Woodman Point boat ramp (5 universal-access ramps, wash-down bays, and parking). The wreck sits at 12 m depth and requires a vessel to locate; many local dive charters run trips to the site.
Parking & facilities
Woodman Point Recreational Boating Precinct offers extensive trailer parking, car parks, and wash-down bays. Alternatively, launch from the Carlisle Street boat ramp in Rockingham.
parkingboat_ramptoiletsshowers
No entry fee; boat launch fees may apply at Woodman Point. Dive charter fees vary.
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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