Meet the site
Skippy Rock is a small cove on the coast west of Augusta near Cape Leeuwin. Marinelife.org.au describes a sheltered south-facing beach with rocks outcropping on and off the beach, a 100 m pocket of sand between the first two outcrops, continuous rock reefs and boulders, a lookout and interesting coastal vegetation. The rock reefs reduce waves to under 1 m at the shore, making it great for snorkelling and scuba diving, and the Cape to Cape Track passes through. It warns of a permanent rip through the reefs at the lagoon mouth, which should be avoided, and notes fossilised thrombolites more than a million years old in the local rocks.
The boulders and reef inside the lagoon shelter reef fish, weed and invertebrates, and the setting near the meeting of the Indian and Southern oceans is spectacular. The combination of shelter and scenery makes it one of the more pleasant shore sites near Augusta.
It suits snorkellers and Open Water shore divers who respect the rip. Check the lagoon mouth from the lookout before entering, and stay inside the reef.
Quarry Bay, a short drive away, is another calm-weather snorkel on the same stretch of coast.
The coast around Cape Leeuwin is where the Indian and Southern oceans meet, and it is one of the most exposed shorelines in Australia. The sheltered coves and bays near Augusta are the exceptions, which is why local divers value them. There is no dive shop in Augusta, so bring filled cylinders from Busselton or Perth, and remember that the nearest recompression chamber is at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, about four hours' drive away. Ngari Capes Marine Park zoning includes sanctuary zones at Cape Leeuwin and East Flinders Bay, so check the maps before fishing or collecting.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Skippy Rock is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Margaret River & Augusta. 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 Skippy Rock 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 Skippy Rock 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
Western king wrasse, herring cale, buffalo bream, old wife, weed and kelp, invertebrates on boulders
Location
Small sheltered south-facing beach near Cape Leeuwin with rock outcrops, a 100 m pocket of sand and continuous rock reefs and boulders that lower waves to under 1 m at the shore.
Facilities nearby
Car park and lookout; no toilets or water; Augusta nearby.
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.
