Meet the site
In April 2026 the Western Australian Government announced a $1.4 million artificial reef for recreational fishers in Albany, to be built in King George Sound about 9 km east of the town off Ledge Beach. It will be the ninth artificial reef funded through the State's Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund, following reefs at Mandurah, Dunsborough, Bunbury, Exmouth and other centres, and is expected to be operational by early 2027. The City of Albany is managing the tender for design, fabrication and installation.
The reef is designed to create new habitat and support species such as silver trevally, samson fish, harlequin fish, Australian salmon, whiting and squid. Structures used elsewhere in WA include large steel and concrete reef modules and 'fish towers' that rise several metres off the bottom and quickly accumulate sponge, algae and invertebrate growth – for example the Dunsborough and Bunbury reefs have become popular dives within a few years of deployment.
Once deployed, the reef should offer a straightforward, sheltered boat dive close to Emu Point, complementing the natural reefs of Michaelmas Island. Divers should check Recfishwest and City of Albany announcements for coordinates, depth and any restrictions.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Albany Artificial Reef (Ledge Beach – planned) is recorded as Artificial Reef in Albany & Great Southern. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Albany Artificial Reef (Ledge Beach – planned) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Albany Artificial Reef (Ledge Beach – planned) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Expected: silver trevally, samson fish, harlequin fish, Australian salmon, whiting, squid (target species listed by government)
Location
Purpose-built fish-habitat artificial reef announced in April 2026 for King George Sound about 9 km east of Albany off Ledge Beach; expected to be operational by early 2027.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
wa.gov.aurecfishwest.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
