Meet the site
Jackson's Rock is an isolated reef off the east end of Rottnest listed by marinelife.org.au as a 16-18 m site with ledges, gullies and caves that is 'packed with marine life'. Isolated reefs like this, surrounded by sand, act as oases, drawing in fish from the surrounding seabed, and this one is closer to Fremantle than most Rottnest sites, making it a useful option for small boats or a quick morning dive.
Expect the typical Perth offshore reef community: buffalo bream, western king wrasse, bullseyes and old wives in the caves, western blue groper, leatherjackets and morwong, sponges and small invertebrates on the walls, and the possibility of pink snapper and dhufish nearby. Western rock lobster may be found in the ledges; this reef is outside the Rottnest sanctuary zones, so fishing rules apply rather than sanctuary protections.
Published detail is limited to the short marinelife.org.au listing, so treat the site as exploratory. It suits Open Water divers comfortable at 16-18 m with a buddy who can navigate a small reef and find the anchor again. Because it lies in open water on the approaches to Rottnest, boat traffic can be heavy on summer weekends and a flag and DSMB are essential.
The reef makes a good alternative when the charter sites at Rottnest are crowded, and a sensible short trip for divers testing a new boat or practising navigation on a compact site. Take a compass bearing from the anchor at the start of the dive so you can find it again at the end.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Jackson's Rock is recorded as Reef in Rottnest Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
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 Jackson's Rock 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 Jackson's 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
Buffalo bream, western king wrasse, bullseyes, old wife, western blue groper, leatherjackets, morwong, sponges, western rock lobster
Location
Isolated offshore reef with ledges, gullies and caves in 16-18 m east of Rottnest, between the island and the mainland.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.