Meet the site
The Conference was an iron barque of 420 tons, built in 1855. After about 40 years of service she was hulked in Albany and was scuttled off the northern Perth coast in 1905 (some sources say 1904). She lies about 2 nautical miles north-west of Mindarie Marina in 12–16 m, on broken limestone reef with kelp beds.
The wreck site extends about 45 m on a north-west to south-east axis. It has collapsed but is still recognisable as a ship. The rudder and stern post were the only upright structure, but divingwawrecks reported in 2023 that the steering quadrant on the rudder post had deteriorated and collapsed. The Marine Life Network describes visible ribs, scattered iron plate, a mast amidships, some machinery and bunker coal.
Corals and sponges cover the ironwork, and western blue devils, old wives, buffalo bream, wrasse and bullseyes shelter in the wreckage. The surrounding reef adds ledges and kelp to explore.
The Conference is a good intermediate wreck dive, closer and shallower than the Gemini, and it can be dived on more days. It suits Open Water divers with boat experience, and it pairs well with the nearby reef sites such as Gordon's Grotto and the Coral Garden. Anchoring is the main practical challenge. Because it lies only 10 minutes from the ramp, it is also a practical choice for a second dive after the Gemini, keeping the day's deepest dive first.
Water temperatures on this coast range from about 17–18 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer; a 7 mm wetsuit with a hood suits most of the year.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Conference Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Perth. The listed access is boat. 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 Conference 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 Conference 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
Western blue devils, old wives, buffalo bream, wrasse, bullseyes, corals, sponges, kelp
Location
Collapsed iron barque hulk scuttled in 1905 on broken limestone reef in 12–16 m, about 2 nautical miles north-west of Mindarie Marina, 2.8 km west of Quinns Rocks.
Facilities nearby
Mindarie Marina ramp and services.
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.commarinelife.org.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
