Meet the site
The Pericles is one of Western Australia's most famous shipwrecks. Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast for George Thompson & Co.'s Aberdeen Line and launched on 21 December 1907 at a cost of £240,000, she was a 10,925-ton, 152.6 m passenger liner on the London-Cape Town-Australia route. On 31 March 1910, steaming at 14 knots in good visibility, she struck an uncharted rock near St Alouarn Island, about 3.5 nautical miles south-east of Cape Leeuwin. Water flooded the forward hold within minutes; lifeboats were launched, and all 413 people aboard survived - the only casualty was the ship's cat. She sank a few kilometres south of the lighthouse with a cargo that included butter, mutton, wool, hides, apples, tallow, coconut oil and lead.
The wreck lies in about 35 m and is spread over an area roughly 180 by 70 m. Marinelife.org.au describes a large jumble dominated by three boilers and the upright port engine; Wikipedia lists twin engines, propeller shafts, boilers, anchors and parts of the frame, with lead ingots remaining in the stern. WreckSploration notes the engines stand about 10 m high and that strong currents and limited visibility prevented a full survey in 2024.
It is rarely dived, by a few hardy locals and enthusiasts, and is protected under the Underwater Cultural Heritage Act 2018. It suits experienced deep divers with good current skills diving from a well-crewed boat. A replica of the Pericles features in the Busselton Jetty underwater sculpture park, and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse precinct tells the story of the sinking.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
SS Pericles Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Margaret River & Augusta. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- 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 SS Pericles Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 SS Pericles 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
Schooling fish around boilers and engines, western blue groper, dhufish, samson fish, yellowtail kingfish, sponges and encrusting growth
Location
Wreck of the 152.6 m Aberdeen Line steamer Pericles in about 35 m, 3.5 nautical miles south-east of Cape Leeuwin off St Alouarn Island, where she sank after striking an uncharted rock in 1910.
Facilities nearby
Augusta boat harbour and ramps; Augusta town (fuel, accommodation); no local dive shop - fills from Swan Dive (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
en.wikipedia.orgwrecksploration.aumarinelife.org.auswandive.com.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
