Meet the site
The Cottesloe Pylon is a Perth landmark: a concrete pylon built in 1936 as part of a failed attempt to erect a shark-proof net off Cottesloe Beach, later used for generations as a diving platform. It was heritage listed in 2003. When its spike toppled in a storm in 2009, it was rebuilt within five months with federal and Lotterywest funding, but deliberately angled and coated so it cannot be climbed, ending the era of jumping from it into water sometimes only a metre deep.
The pylon stands on shallow reef, and the area around it is a pleasant snorkel within the Cottesloe Reef Fish Habitat Protection Area. The limestone has low ledges and crevices covered in algae. Wrasse, old wives, stripeys, leatherjackets, bream and silver drummer gather around the structure, and rays and octopus are found on the reef and sand. The concrete itself has some encrusting growth.
Depths are only 1–4 m, so it is a snorkelling site rather than a scuba dive, and it lies in the surf zone, where surge and waves make it unpleasant on anything but flat days. Early mornings in summer and autumn with easterly winds give the calmest water and clearest visibility.
The pylon suits snorkellers and families who want a short swim to one of Perth's best-known structures. Divers seeking more should try Peters Pool to the north or the reefs at South Cottesloe.
Water temperatures on this coast range from about 17 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer, when the warm Leeuwin Current is strongest, so a 5 mm wetsuit suits summer and a 7 mm suit with a hood is more comfortable from June to October.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cottesloe Pylon is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Perth. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Cottesloe Pylon suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Cottesloe Pylon 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
Wrasse, old wives, stripeys, leatherjackets, bream, silver drummer, rays, octopus
Location
The heritage-listed 1936 concrete pylon standing on the reef just off Cottesloe Beach, surrounded by shallow limestone reef.
Facilities nearby
Toilets, showers, cafes and surf club at Cottesloe Beach; Marine Parade parking; train station nearby.
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
ausleisure.com.auperthweekend.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
