Meet the site
The City of York is Rottnest's most tragic wreck and one of its most rewarding shallow wreck dives. She was a Glasgow-built iron barque of 1,194 tons and about 70 m, bound from San Francisco with Oregon timber and 5,000 doors. On the stormy night of 12 July 1899 the Rottnest lighthouse sighted her approaching from the north. The assistant keeper's flare, intended as a warning to stand off, was taken by the master as the pilot boat's signal, and he steered towards it and onto the reef in about 5 fathoms. The crew abandoned ship in two lifeboats; one capsized, and 11 men, including Captain Phillip Jones, were drowned (the Museum gives the master plus 11 crew). The same storm also wrecked the Carlisle Castle off Rockingham.
The wreck lies down a sloping reef in 3-10 m. In the shallows, decking is still distinguishable; further down are the stern and rudder, hull plating, the anchor and windlass, and on the sand at the base the masts, yardarms and rigging lie where they fell. The remains are weed-covered, and the reef crevices around them have collected broken fragments. A WA Museum plaque marks the site, and the wreck gave the bay its name.
It is an easy, atmospheric dive for Open Water divers when the north coast is calm, and a good second dive after the deeper north-coast reefs such as North Point. Protected historic shipwreck. On the land side, the anchor recovered from the wreck is displayed on the museum trail, so it is worth seeing both.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
City of York Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Rottnest Island. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 City of York Wreck 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 City of York Wreck 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
Buffalo bream, sweep, western king wrasse, old wife, leatherjackets, western rock lobster, weed and kelp
Location
Iron barque wreck lying on a sloping reef in 3-10 m at City of York Bay on Rottnest's north coast, visible from the surface as a dark finger.
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
divingwawrecks.commuseum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.aurottnestisland.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.