Meet the site
Middle Island is the largest island of the Recherche Archipelago (about 1,080 ha), famous for bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier and for its role in the story of Black Jack Anderson, Australia's only recorded pirate, who operated from the island in the 1830s. Its northern shore holds two historic wrecks.
The Belinda was a Yarmouth-built brig on a sealing expedition when she was stranded on Middle Island on 19 July 1824 – one of the earliest shipwrecks on the south coast. Her crew survived and were rescued months later. The WA Museum records the site at the eastern end of the sandy beach on the island's north side, 30 m offshore in 3-4 m on sand. In 1989 a 12 x 6 m hull section with copper sheathing and sacrificial pine boards was visible, but by 2001 no timber could be seen – the remains are periodically covered and uncovered by shifting sand. Marine Life Network describes it as a look-don't-touch dive.
The Penguin lies in Goose Island Bay; the top of her boiler and a section of hull remain visible above sea level in about 2 m, making it an easy snorkel.
Reaching Middle Island is a significant undertaking: a long, exposed boat trip into the eastern archipelago with no services. The wrecks are of great historical interest but modest as dives, so they are best combined with a wider expedition in the eastern Recherche. Anyone planning a trip should also respect Lake Hillier's fragile shoreline and the island's nature reserve rules.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Belinda & Penguin Wrecks (Middle Island) is recorded as Wreck in Esperance & Recherche Archipelago. 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.
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 Belinda & Penguin Wrecks (Middle Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Belinda & Penguin Wrecks (Middle Island) 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
Seagrass and sand fauna, herring, sweep, wrasse, Australian sea lions (island colonies)
Location
Two historic wrecks at Middle Island, the largest island of the Recherche Archipelago: the sealing brig Belinda (1824) 30 m off the north beach in 3-4 m, and the steamer Penguin in Goose Island Bay with its boiler above water.
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
museum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.auen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.