Meet the site
Duck Rock sits off Bathurst Point on Rottnest's north-east corner, within walking distance of the ferry, and is one of the few genuine scuba shore dives on the island. It is also the site of Rottnest's earliest recorded shipwreck: the 124-ton, two-masted wooden schooner Transit, wrecked on 18 May 1842 when she struck the rock while rounding the island after the master had gone below leaving directions with the helmsman. Nothing of the vessel survives - the WA Museum describes it as broken up with little remaining - but an underwater plinth marks the site beside an interesting cave in the reef.
The dive itself is a limestone reef dive. After a fairly long swim over the shallows you reach the rock, outside which the reef drops off into medium-sized caves and overhangs. The walls are dressed with sponges and colourful invertebrates, and the usual north-coast reef fish - sweep, bullseyes, wrasse, buffalo bream and old wives - shelter in the caves. Maximum depth is only about 6 m, so bottom times are long.
Because it needs no boat, Duck Rock suits self-sufficient divers on a Rottnest holiday who are prepared to carry gear from the settlement, as well as snorkellers in calm weather. It is also a useful complement to the Transit Reef wrecks, which are nearby but need a boat or a much longer swim. Keep in mind the heavy boat traffic along this shore on summer weekends. It is worth combining with a visit to the WA Museum land trail, which begins at the island museum and overlooks the area where the Transit, Gem, Janet, Macedon and Denton Holme were lost.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Duck Rock & Transit Plinth is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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 Duck Rock & Transit Plinth 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 Duck Rock & Transit Plinth 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
Sweep, bullseyes, western king wrasse, buffalo bream, old wife, sponges, colourful invertebrates, western rock lobster
Location
Small rock off Bathurst Point about 500 m from the ferry terminal, where the schooner Transit was lost in 1842; reef drop-off and medium caves outside the rock, with a museum plinth by a reef cave.
Facilities nearby
Thomson Bay settlement toilets, showers, cafes and general store about 500 m away; no scuba fills on Rottnest - bring filled cylinders on the ferry (check ferry dangerous-goods rules for cylinders).
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
marinelife.org.audivingwawrecks.commuseum.wa.gov.aurottnestisland.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.