Meet the site
The Kingfisher is one of the oldest iron shipwrecks in Western Australia. She was an iron barque built in 1854 and, like several old sailing ships at Albany, finished her days as a coal hulk in Princess Royal Harbour, storing bunker coal for the steamers that made Albany the colony's mail port in the late 19th century. Albany Advertiser sources give her loss or abandonment as 1905. The remains now lie in shallow water south of Melville Point in the western part of the harbour.
Marine Life Network describes the wreck as exposed at low water, making it a snorkel or photographic dive best done at high tide. The iron hull structure is partly intact, and with the waterline rising and falling across it the site offers an unusual split view of a 19th-century hull – part above, part below. Fish such as herring, whiting, blowfish and juvenile snapper shelter around the plating, and sponges, ascidians and weed grow on the iron.
This is a heritage site rather than a reef dive. Visibility in Princess Royal Harbour is usually poor, and the depth is only a metre or two, so scuba adds little; snorkelling or kayaking out on a high tide is the practical approach. It will appeal to maritime history enthusiasts, photographers interested in split shots, and families wanting an easy outing. Other Albany hulks – the Sarah Burnyeat off Residency Point and the Athena near Ledge Point – make an interesting trail for those who want to explore the port's coal-hulk history.
The wreck is protected historic material under WA law; climbing on or removing material is prohibited.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Kingfisher Wreck (Princess Royal Harbour) is recorded as Wreck in Albany & Great Southern. 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.
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 Kingfisher Wreck (Princess Royal Harbour) 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 Kingfisher Wreck (Princess Royal Harbour) 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
Herring, whiting, blowfish, juvenile snapper, sponges, ascidians, seagrass, blue swimmer crabs
Location
Iron barque built 1854 and later used as a coal hulk, lying in shallow water in Princess Royal Harbour south of Melville Point; exposed at low water.
Facilities nearby
Limited – roadside parking on the harbour's western shore; full facilities in Albany town.
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.aualbanyadvertiser.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
