Meet the site
The Lubra was an iron steamship of 223 tons and 44 m, built in Glasgow in the 1860s and owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company, which ran her on the coastal route between Geraldton and Fremantle from the mid-1880s. In January 1898, damaged on departing Geraldton, she anchored in Jurien Bay to land cargo and passengers; an attempt to beach her went wrong and she was driven onto a reef near the south leads, between Favourite and Boullanger Islands. The year before, the Lubra had been involved in the unauthorised salvage of the Europa's cargo south of Jurien.
Very little of the ship remains recognisable. divingwawrecks describes sections of propeller shaft, the stern wedged in the reef and the 60 hp compound engine block, which rises so close to the surface that it creates a regular surf break. Depth is only 3-4 m and visibility 3-8 m, so the site suits snorkelling better than scuba.
The surrounding reef lies in the Jurien Bay Marine Park, close to the Boullanger Island sanctuary zone, with seagrass, limestone ledges and fish such as buffalo bream, herring, wrasse and sweep. It is a short and interesting stop for boaters exploring the islands, particularly combined with a snorkel at Boullanger Island or a sea lion tour.
Practical notes: the site sits close to the boat channel leading into Jurien Bay, so fly a dive flag and keep a lookout for returning cray boats. Snorkellers should approach from the sheltered side of the reef rather than across the break over the engine. The stern and shaft are the easiest parts to find.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lubra Wreck (Jurien Bay) is recorded as Wreck in Turquoise Coast. 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.
- 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 Lubra Wreck (Jurien Bay) 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 Lubra Wreck (Jurien Bay) 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, herring, wrasse, sweep, western rock lobster, seagrass
Location
Iron steamship wrecked in January 1898 on a reef between Favourite and Boullanger Islands in Jurien Bay, in 3-4 m; engine block and propeller shaft remain.
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
divingwawrecks.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.