Meet the site
This site is a small puzzle on the sand off Salmon Bay. It was found by a member of the public and inspected by the WA Museum in 2002. The remains consist of a boiler, a propeller and shaft, and two other unidentified pieces of iron, with very little other wreckage. The Museum's working theory, reported by divingwawrecks, is that the machinery may have been a surplus power plant due to be dumped at sea in the ships' graveyard further west, but that it was jettisoned or scuttled short of its destination.
At 26 m, it is one of the deepest wreck-related dives at Rottnest outside the graveyard. There is not much to explore, so the dive is short, but the machinery stands out on the seabed and attracts fish, and visibility on the south side of the island is often very good. Expect buffalo bream, western king wrasse, bullseyes around the boiler, and possibly larger fish such as samson fish or dhufish moving through.
It suits Advanced divers with their own boat who enjoy mysteries and want a deeper dive on the south coast, perhaps combined with a shallower reef such as Jack's Patch or Parker Point on the second tank. Treat it as a heritage site even though its identity is unknown. Plan the dive on nitrox to extend the short no-decompression time, and carry a DSMB because the shot can drift in current. A torch helps pick out the stamped fittings and details on the boiler that might one day help identify it.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Salmon Bay Unidentified Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Rottnest Island. 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.
- 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 Salmon Bay Unidentified Wreck 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 Salmon Bay Unidentified Wreck 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, western king wrasse, bullseyes, sweep, samson fish (occasional), dhufish (occasional), sponges
Location
Boiler, propeller and shaft of an unidentified iron vessel in 26 m off Salmon Bay on the south coast of Rottnest.
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.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.