Meet the site
The Mary is a small historic wreck site in eastern Geographe Bay that most divers have never heard of. Marinelife.org.au describes her as a 65.6-foot wooden schooner built in 1868 that was wrecked on 4 June 1879 in heavy seas. She lies in shallow water about 40 m from shore, close to the piles of the old Lockeville Jetty, 2 km north-east of Wonnerup. The remains were relatively intact in the 1970s but are now mostly buried or dispersed, and may uncover intermittently as sand moves.
The jetty itself was part of the timber trade that once shipped jarrah from this coast, and its surviving piles offer some habitat for small fish in a largely sandy, seagrass-fringed bay. On most visits there will be little or nothing of the wreck to see, so the site is really for heritage enthusiasts and snorkellers exploring the quieter end of Geographe Bay.
It is extremely shallow and safe, with no need for scuba. The value of recording it here is historical: it is one of the few documented wrecks along the Busselton shoreline, and after big winter storms that move sand it may show more timbers. Like all wrecks over 75 years old it is protected, and nothing should be disturbed.
Combine a visit with the Wonnerup heritage precinct and the Busselton Jetty, and check recent weather: after a period of strong northerlies, sand movement may expose more of the hull. Bring only snorkel gear; scuba adds nothing here, and the water is rarely more than a couple of metres deep.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Mary Wreck (Lockeville Jetty) is recorded as Wreck in Geographe Bay & Busselton. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Mary Wreck (Lockeville Jetty) 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 Mary Wreck (Lockeville Jetty) 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 fauna, small fish around jetty piles, whiting, stingarees
Location
Remains of a wooden schooner, mostly buried, about 40 m from shore close to the old Lockeville Jetty piles, 2 km north-east of Wonnerup.
Facilities nearby
No facilities; nearest at Busselton.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.