Conference Wreck

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.

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.