Meet the site
The Stragglers Dredge was one of the machines that built Fremantle Harbour. The iron bucket dredge, with a steam-driven bucket conveyor, began work in the 1890s dredging the channel for C. Y. O'Connor's harbour project and later worked upstream in the Swan River. It was decommissioned in the 1930s, stripped and scuttled west of Stragglers Rocks, where it was later identified by maritime archaeologist Graeme Henderson.
The wreck lies in 12–14 m on sand beside reef. It was heavily stripped before scuttling, and no machinery remains. What is left is the iron hull outline, about 40 m long, with the stern facing east. The best wreckage is along the southern edge, and the rudder post and steering quadrant are still recognisable. About half the site is covered in kelp. Nearby reef has caves and ledges that add interest to the dive.
The steel supports sponges and ascidians, and the reef and wreck hold buffalo bream, bullseyes, old wives, wrasse, sweep and western rock lobster, with the chance of wobbegongs under the ledges.
The Stragglers area is the closest offshore reef to the Fremantle ramps, so the dredge is often dived as a second dive or when Rottnest is too rough. It suits Open Water divers comfortable with boat diving and moderate depth.
There is some confusion between this dredge and a second, deeper one further west (the Stragglers Unidentified Dredge in 19 m), which the Marine Life Network identifies as the Fremantle, built in 1894 and scuttled in 1936. Divers should use GPS positions to be sure which wreck they are on.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stragglers Dredge is recorded as Wreck 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.
- 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.
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 Stragglers Dredge 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 Stragglers Dredge 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, bullseyes, old wives, wrasse, sweep, western rock lobster, wobbegongs, sponges, ascidians, kelp
Location
Stripped iron bucket dredge scuttled in the 1930s in 12–14 m west of Stragglers Rocks, 4 nautical miles west of the Fremantle Harbour entrance.
Facilities nearby
Woodman Point, Leeuwin and Fremantle boat ramps with parking and toilets.
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.commarinelife.org.audivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
