Meet the site
The Denton Holme lies almost alongside the Macedon and is the larger of the Transit Reef iron wrecks. She was a 65 m iron barque of 988 tons (998 tons in some sources) and was wrecked on 25 September 1890 carrying cement, iron piping and about 300 tons of general merchandise; some accounts also mention whisky. She struck the same reef that had claimed the Macedon seven years earlier, broke her back and was written off as not worth refloating.
Unlike the upright Macedon, the Denton Holme's hull has collapsed and spread over a large area of reef, so the site is more of a wreck trail than a single ship. The exception is the bow, which still stands up from the reef to within a metre of the surface at low tide and is the landmark most divers remember. Around it are hull plates, frames, lengths of pipe, lumps of set cement cargo, coal and glass. Immediately north of the wreck the limestone reef opens into an impressive cave and overhang system at 5-7 m, which is the other reason to linger here: bullseyes and sweep fill the caves, and western rock lobster sit under the ledges.
The Denton Holme is almost always dived together with the Macedon on one tank, and the Janet and Gem are within a short swim. The combination of shallow depth, shelter from the south-west and easy navigation makes this Rottnest's most reliable beginner wreck site and a good snorkel when the water is flat. It is inside the Kingston Sanctuary Zone and is a protected historic shipwreck.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Denton Holme Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Rottnest Island. The listed access is shore or 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 Denton Holme 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 Denton Holme 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
Bullseyes, sweep, buffalo bream, western rock lobster, western king wrasse, old wife, octopus, sea urchins, sponges and kelp
Location
Collapsed iron barque on Transit Reef at the north entrance to Thomson Bay, beside the Macedon; the bow stands to within a metre of the surface at low tide.
Facilities nearby
Public moorings on Transit Reef; toilets, showers, cafes and snorkel hire in the Thomson Bay settlement; no scuba air on Rottnest.
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.combucketlistdiver.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.