Meet the site
North-west of Mindarie Marina, off Quinns Rocks and Alkimos, lies a cluster of limestone reefs at 12–23 m that local divers have named over the years: the Coral Garden, Grouper Gully, Crayfish Gully, Dewy Ledge, Gordon's Grotto, Ian's Cave Reef, Paul's Point, Snapper Peak, The 23 Metre Ledge and The Wall, along with Chris's Cliff, South Pass and Staggie Reef. The Marine Life Network's north-of-the-river list gives GPS positions and brief notes for most of them, and it is the main published source for these sites.
Paul's Point is a north–south running reef at about 15–20 m, with ledges and caverns on its sheltered eastern side, beautiful corals and large fish. The eastern face is protected from the prevailing south-westerly swell, which usually means calmer water and more delicate growth. It lies roughly midway between the Coral Garden and the northern reef cluster.
Like the other reefs in the group, the limestone here is covered in kelp and red algae on top, with sponges, sea whips and corals in the shaded ledges. Typical fish of this part of the coast include buffalo bream, western blue devils, old wives, bullseyes, wrasse and morwong, with pink snapper, dhufish and samson fish on the deeper edges and western rock lobster in the crevices. The Marine Life Network notes that on the Quinns reefs the more interesting species tend to be found at depth.
Because the reefs are well offshore, visibility is usually better than at the inshore sites, but they are exposed and need calm weather. They are dived mostly from private boats; no operator runs regular trips. Published detail is limited to brief notes, so this record gives the position, depth and main features, and divers should check the reef on the sounder before descending. The depth means short no-decompression times, so Advanced certification and nitrox are recommended. Water temperatures range from about 17–18 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Paul's Point (Mindarie) is recorded as Reef in Perth. The listed access is 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 Paul's Point (Mindarie) 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 Paul's Point (Mindarie) 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
Corals, sponges, dhufish, pink snapper, buffalo bream, bullseyes, wrasse, western rock lobster
Location
Offshore limestone reef with a north–south reef with ledges and caverns on its sheltered eastern side, at 15–20 m, in the cluster of reefs north-west of Mindarie Marina off Quinns Rocks and Alkimos.
Facilities nearby
Mindarie Marina: public ramp, parking, toilets, fuel, cafes.
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.
