PERTHS BEST FREEDIVE LOCATIONS

Perths best Freedive Spots!

The worlds most isolated city of Perth, Western Australia, is filled with a rich and diverse amount of marine life and freedive locations. As a Perth local I am going to give you an insight into some of Perths best shore-based Freedive locations for depth, wildlife, cave swim throughs and much more.

Ability: Intermediate - Advanced

Pros:

• Great shore based access to depth 18-20m (for Perth)

• Easy parking and acceess

• Well protected from swell and wind by Garden Island

• Showers and toilets at beach

Cons:

• Visibility can be poor ~5m

• Can get busy on the weekends with Scuba Steves and Freedivers

• Not easy to access with public transport / without a car

• Not suitable for snorkllers
  
  

Situated just a short 25 min drive south of Fremantle, Rockingham wreck trail offers some of Perths only shore based depth of any kind. Consisting of 4 wrecks this site has a max depth of 19-20m on the right tide and is a great spot to start out your line diving journey or carry out some line training / coaching. The wrecks are well marked by surface buoys and are a favourite of many scuba divers. However most are located between the 12-17m mark so make sure your diving with a buddy and have reasonable experience, as this isn't really a snorkel site.

Rockingham Wreck Trail

North Mole Wreck, Fremantle

Ability: Intermediate - Advanced

Pros:

• Short kick out to the site ~180m

• Easy parking and access from Fremantle

• Well-protected from strong currents and SW swell

Cons:

• Visibility can be poor, particularly after storms.

• Busy with other divers and fishermen on weekends.

• Not suitable for beginners or snorkelers.

Description:

North Mole in Fremantle offers a unique freediving experience, with rocky outcrops, seaweed beds, and a variety of marine life. The wreck site provides a decent depth of up to 8 meters, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced freedivers looking to hone their skills. The image above shows wreck which is approximately 20m in length. The shell of the barge remains providing some great ledges and a swim through for advanced divers. Once you have finished looking at the wreck yo have the added bonus of diving back along the groin where the occasional lobster can be found as well as squid and other marine life.

Cottesloe Reef / Groin

Ability: Beginner

Pros:

• Accessible shore dive with depths of 2-5 meters.

• Abundant marine life, including dolphins and crabs.

• Easy parking and toilet/shower / facilities nearby.

• Stunning underwater topography with plenty of nooks to explore.

Cons:

• Depth may not be challenging enough for advanced divers.

• Can become crowded, particularly during the summer months.

• Visibility can be affected by swell and weather.

Description:

Cottesloe Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets, but just offshore lies Cottesloe Reef, a fantastic freediving location. The reef is relatively shallow, with depths ranging from 2 to 5 meters, making it accessible for divers of all levels. It’s a great spot to observe marine life and enjoy the reef’s fascinating structure. The beach itself now has a shark net throughout the summer months for those looking for more safety when testing their skills. The reef is situated on the South side of the Cottesloe groin and has various signs upon entry pictured below.

Mettam’s Pool

Ability: Beginner - Intermediate

Pros:

• Calm, shallow waters ideal for practice and skill-building.

• Abundant marine life, including octopuses and small port jackson sharks.

• Easy access with showers accessible

• Great for relaxed dives and exploring the reef.

Cons:

• Shallow depth (5-8 meters) limits more advanced training.

• Can get crowded with snorkelers and swimmers.

• Visibility can vary depending on weather conditions and swell.

• Can be hard to park on weekends in the summer

Description:

Located along the northern beaches of Perth, Mettam’s Pool is a sheltered bay perfect for beginner freedivers and snorkelers. The inside reef is perfect for kids to practise their skills and duck dives and the outer reef provides more depth and nooks and crannies to explore. The reef here is home to various species of fish and marine life, making each dive a colourful adventure. While the depth is more suitable for skill-building rather than deep dives, the calm conditions and easy access make it a favourite for many locals and families. There are a plethora of swim throughs and caves once you kick along the back of the reef and you can spot all types of life here from seals to lobsters.

Conclusion

Perth offers a variety of freediving spots that cater to intermediate and advanced divers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant reefs of Cottesloe, practicing your skills at Rockingham Wreck Trail, or diving the unique landscapes of Mettams pool, there’s something for every freediver in this beautiful coastal city. Just remember to dive with a buddy, check conditions before heading out, and always prioritise safety. Happy diving!

Want to learn to dive deeper and how to hold your breathe longer? Come join us on a course today!