Meet the site
The Georgette is one of Western Australia's best-known shipwreck stories. Marinelife.org.au describes her as a Fremantle-owned, 211-ton, 46 m schooner-rigged iron steamer wrecked on 1 December 1876 off Calgardup, north of Hamelin Bay. Seven people died when a lifeboat was launched, and survivors were helped ashore by Aboriginal stockman Sam Isaacs and 16-year-old Grace Bussell, who rode their horses into the surf - an act celebrated in WA history. The wreck was found in 1964.
Today the remains lie in shallow water and are only infrequently exposed above the sand; the site is very exposed in big seas. Marinelife.org.au notes that the shallow inshore reef nearby is good for snorkelling. The Margaret River region's safety guide describes the area just north of Redgate as stunning but advises observing it before diving.
This is primarily a heritage site: most of the time there is little or nothing of the ship to see, and conditions are often unsuitable. On rare calm days it offers a shallow snorkel over the reef and, if sand has moved, parts of the iron hull. The wreck is protected, and nothing may be disturbed.
It suits experienced snorkellers interested in history. Combine it with the Georgette memorial and the Redgate Beach lookout.
The Capes coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin faces the Indian Ocean and is famous for its surf, which is exactly what makes diving here so condition-dependent. Long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on calm, sunny days, and the regional ocean-safety guide advises observing a site in different conditions before diving it, never diving alone and flying a flag near boat ramps.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Georgette Wreck (Redgate Beach) is recorded as Wreck in Margaret River & Augusta. 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 Georgette Wreck (Redgate Beach) 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 Georgette Wreck (Redgate Beach) 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, herring cale, buffalo bream, weed and kelp on inshore reef
Location
Remains of the iron steamer Georgette, wrecked in 1876, in shallow water off Calgardup Bay near Redgate Beach south of Margaret River; mostly buried and only occasionally exposed.
Facilities nearby
Redgate Beach car park; Georgette memorial; no other facilities.
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.aumargaretriver.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
