Meet the site
Mutton Bird Island lies off a sandy beach on the coast west of Albany, between Torbay and West Cape Howe National Park, and is named for the short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) that nest on it. It is one of the few shore dives on this wild stretch of coast that offers an easy entry.
Marine Life Network describes the site as 8-12 m deep with general reef fauna, reached via a sandy beach entry about 100 m from the car park (4WD optional), and recommends it as a good night-dive location. The granite reef around the island has kelp and sargassum on top and sponges and ascidians in the gutters, with old wives, sweep, herring, wrasse, scalyfin, leatherjackets and harlequin fish. The sand edges hold rays and flathead, and at night crayfish, octopus and invertebrates emerge.
The Torbay coast is otherwise known for exposed, rugged sites – Tor Bay Head and the cliffs near Cosy Corner, and West Cape Howe, the southernmost point of Western Australia, where Marine Life Network notes excellent fish life but conditions that turn wild in moderate swell, and Dunsky Beach on the lee of West Cape Howe with swim-throughs but possible strong rips. Mutton Bird Island is the gentle option among them.
It suits Open Water divers exploring independently from Albany or Denmark on a calm day, and snorkellers in summer. Fill tanks in Albany before driving out, check the swell forecast carefully, and let someone know your plans because the coast here is quiet and phone coverage is patchy.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Mutton Bird Island (Albany) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Albany & Great Southern. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Mutton Bird Island (Albany) 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 Mutton Bird Island (Albany) 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
Old wives, sweep, herring, wrasse, scalyfin, leatherjackets, harlequin fish, rays, flathead, crayfish, octopus, kelp, sponges; short-tailed shearwaters nest on the island
Location
Rocky island and beach shore dive on the coast west of Albany (Torbay/West Cape Howe area), in 8-12 m, reached by a sandy beach entry 100 m from the car park.
Facilities nearby
Car park only; no toilets or water. Air fills in 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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
