Meet the site
The Bunbury Artificial Reef was built for anglers rather than divers, but it has become a thriving habitat that is worth a look for divers with their own boat. According to Recfishwest and wikifishingspots, the Bunbury and Dunsborough reefs were installed in Geographe Bay in 2013/14, each made of 30 purpose-built, 10-tonne concrete modules placed within 5 km of shore and roughly opposite boat ramps. Madmackie gives the Bunbury reef's centre point as 33 18.500 S, 115 35.900 E in 17 m, about 6.5 km north-west of the Bunbury marina and reached from the Point Casuarina ramp, and notes that a further 90 concrete modules were added years later to enlarge the area.
The modules are hollow concrete boxes grouped in clusters. They have quickly been colonised by weed, sponges and invertebrates, and fish use them as shelter: pink snapper, dhufish, silver trevally, yellowtail kingfish and samson fish are the species anglers target. Divers can expect schools of smaller fish in and around the boxes and larger predators patrolling.
The reef is a sand-surrounded, low-relief site, so navigation between clusters needs a compass and good visibility. It suits Open Water divers comfortable at 17 m, and it combines naturally with the Lena, which lies nearby. The main hazards are fishing gear and anchors: hollow modules trap tackle, so watch for lines and hooks, and fly a dive flag because the site is heavily fished. New demersal fishing rules for the West Coast Bioregion were introduced in December 2025. Visibility is best on calm summer mornings.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bunbury Artificial Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Geographe Bay & Busselton. 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.
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 Bunbury Artificial Reef 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 Bunbury Artificial Reef 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
Pink snapper, dhufish, silver trevally, yellowtail kingfish, samson fish, western king wrasse, bullseyes, sponges and weed growth
Location
Clusters of concrete fish-box reef modules on sand in 17 m about 6.5 km north-west of Bunbury marina, deployed from 2013 and expanded later.
Facilities nearby
Point Casuarina boat ramp; Bunbury dive shops for fills.
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
madmackie.com.auwikifishingspots.com.aurecfishwest.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.