Cosy Corner

Meet the site

Cosy Corner is a small sheltered cove on the Leeuwin coast near Augusta, and one of the few easy shore dives this far south. Marinelife.org.au describes reef platforms close to shore in about 7 m, with overhangs full of smaller fish such as scalyfin, blue devils, morwong, foxfish and harlequin fish, and warns about the steep hill from the car park when fully loaded with gear.

The overhangs are the attraction: western blue devils and harlequin fish are two of the most colourful temperate reef fish in Australia, and finding them in a few metres of water close to shore is a treat. Weed and kelp cover the reef tops, and the cove's shelter makes it pleasant on calm days.

It suits Open Water divers and snorkellers who are prepared for the climb back to the car. The offshore islands and reefs nearby (listed separately as Cosy Corner Offshore Reefs) are better reached by boat from Hamelin Bay.

There are no facilities at the site; Augusta has shops, fuel and accommodation.

The coast around Cape Leeuwin is where the Indian and Southern oceans meet, and it is one of the most exposed shorelines in Australia. The sheltered coves and bays near Augusta are the exceptions, which is why local divers value them. There is no dive shop in Augusta, so bring filled cylinders from Busselton or Perth, and remember that the nearest recompression chamber is at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, about four hours' drive away. Ngari Capes Marine Park zoning includes sanctuary zones at Cape Leeuwin and East Flinders Bay, so check the maps before fishing or collecting.

What you might see

Scalyfin, western blue devil, morwong, foxfish, harlequin fish, western king wrasse, kelp and weed

Location

Reef platforms close to shore at Cosy Corner, off Cosy Corner Road about 11 km from the southern end of Caves Road near Augusta, in about 7 m.

Facilities nearby

Car park; no toilets or water; Augusta town nearby.