The creation of a Dive Park off the metropolitan coastline was recommended in the Labor Government's Tourism Policy, released prior to the 2001 State election.

Early consultation took place with key stakeholders including dive operators, the local business community and the City of Rockingham. A steering committee, chaired by Mr Mark McGowan MLA, Member for Rockingham, has since been formed to guide the further consultation and planning process. Along with this they are working on developing and marketing the Dive Park.

This website has been created to provide information and regular updates on the project. It also provides a feedback facility for the convenience of members of the public wishing to submit comments and ideas.

 

Diving around the wreck of The Chalmers

Statistics show that internationally, diving and snorkelling are two of the fastest-growing recreational and tourist pursuits. A world-class Dive Park, in close proximity to the metropolitan area, will provide a major attraction for local, interstate and international diving enthusiasts. It will also complement the existing HMAS SWAN and HMAS PERTH dive wreck sites at Dunsborough and Albany.

A 279 square kilometre area of coastal waters off Rockingham has been identified as the West Coast Dive Park. Access maps of the park which show the intended boundaries. The area stretches from Casuarina Shoal to the James Service Reef and includes the five-fathom bank and western portion of Warnbro Sound.

At present a total of 10 wrecks are located on the ocean floor within this area. It is proposed that further wrecks will be sunk to expand the diving attractions over the next 10 years.

 

Investigating the wreck of The SS Orizaba

The vessel Saxon Ranger was scuttled on Sunday 22 May 2005. All four moorings had been constructed by the close of 2005. The public has access to the two earmarked moorings and the vessel is being utilised as a dive wreck. CALM and the City of Rockingham are assessing applications from professional dive operators to allocate the two professional moorings. See Media Release.

Other Wrecks

Amur (1887)
Belle of Bunbury (1886)
Carlisle Castle (1899)
Chalmers (1874)
Contest (1874)
Dolphin(1930)
Hero of the Nile P.A. (1876)
Highland Forest (1901)
James Service (1878)
SS Orizaba (1905)
Robertina (1859)
Star (1880)

West Coast Dive Park Frequently Asked Questions.

Access the West Coast Dive Park Map, or a full size map can be downloaded in PDF format (1.1 MB). Alternatively, printed copies can be obtained by contacting John Savell at the Department of Housing and Works on (08) 9222 4978 or by e-mail: john.savell@dhw.wa.gov.au

 

The West Coast Dive Park Steering Committee welcomes your comments and ideas. Simply e-mail in your details and comments to john.savell@dhw.wa.gov.au.