Meet the site
Gannet Rock is a small, easy site within Meelup Regional Park. Marinelife.org.au describes a small rock about 80 m from shore near Eagle Bay in 3-4 m, reached via an unsealed track off the Eagle Bay-Meelup road, usually protected and good for a snorkel or night dive, with small marine life and fish. It warns that the rock is usually covered with anglers and lost fishing gear. Meelup Park lists Gannet Rock and its rocky outcrops as having an array of species for snorkelling and diving exploration, and a south-west snorkelling guide includes it among the Cape Naturaliste-to-Geographe Bay spots.
The short swim, shallow depth and shelter make it a relaxed dive for beginners and a good night dive, when octopus, crabs and small fish are active. Granite boulders around the rock create cracks and overhangs for wrasse, blennies and juvenile fish, and seagrass surrounds the base.
The main hazard is fishing line: because the rock is a popular fishing spot, hooks, sinkers and line tangle on the boulders, so carry a cutting tool and give anglers a wide berth. Dive early or late when fewer people are fishing. The site suits snorkellers, new divers and night divers staying around Dunsborough.
Geographe Bay faces north, so Cape Naturaliste blocks most of the prevailing south-westerly swell and sea breeze that close the ocean coast; that shelter and the warm Leeuwin Current make the Dunsborough shoreline one of the most reliably diveable stretches of the South West, and winter north-westerly storms are the main thing that shuts it down.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Gannet Rock is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Geographe Bay & Busselton. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
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 Gannet Rock 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 Gannet Rock 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
Western king wrasse, blennies, juvenile fish, octopus, crabs, sea urchins, seagrass fauna
Location
Small rock about 80 m offshore near Eagle Bay in Meelup Regional Park, in 3-4 m, usually protected and good for snorkelling and night dives.
Facilities nearby
Unsealed track and small parking area; no facilities - nearest at Meelup Beach or Eagle Bay.
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.aumeeluppark.comprivateproperties.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.