Meet the site
The Lady Lyttleton is one of Albany's most historically significant wrecks: a whaling-era barque lying in the Emu Point Channel, the narrow entrance to Oyster Harbour. The vessel was originally built as the Sultan and registered in Sydney in 1861 as foreign-built; she was 28.8 m long and of about 178 gross tons. On 17 July 1867, while being careened (hove down by tackles from her mastheads to the shore) for hull work in the channel, she slipped, could not right herself because of the tackles, filled and sank.
The WA Museum records the remains in 7-13 m about 15 m offshore. A section of hull lies buried in the sand with the keelson, frames and planking visible, and around it are the windlass, an iron tank, a wooden spar, an iron drum and trypots – the cast-iron pots used for boiling down whale blubber, which tie the wreck to the south coast's whaling history. Marine Life Network describes the site as modestly sheltered and worth exploring, with whaling-era artefacts and interesting marine life.
The dive is defined by the channel. Strong tidal currents run in and out of Oyster Harbour, visibility is often poor, and the Emu Point boat ramp is next door, so the site demands good planning: slack-water timing, a dive flag and close attention to boat traffic. When those line up it is a rare chance to see an intact-in-part 19th-century whaling vessel within a few metres of a café and car park.
All material is protected under WA's maritime heritage legislation; the museum has surveyed and monitored the site. It suits experienced divers interested in maritime archaeology rather than those seeking reef life.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lady Lyttleton Wreck (Emu Point Channel) 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 Lady Lyttleton Wreck (Emu Point Channel) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Lady Lyttleton Wreck (Emu Point Channel) 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
Seagrass fish, blue swimmer crabs, cuttlefish, flathead, rays, sponges and ascidians on the timbers, occasional dolphins in the channel
Location
Remains of a whaling barque that capsized and sank in 1867 in the Emu Point Channel at the entrance to Oyster Harbour, about 15 m offshore in 7-13 m.
Facilities nearby
Emu Point foreshore: parking, toilets, café and kiosk, boat ramp; air fills at South Coast Diving Supplies, Albany.
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
museum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.aualbanyadvertiser.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
