Meet the site
Off Coombe Reserve, the Swan River channel drops to more than 20 m, and two wrecks lie in 19–22 m. Howies Scuba, whose writer dived only one of them, describes the water as black as night and thick as tar, and Howies' site table calls it a dark, cold, murky hole in a working river, with visibility of about half a metre. It requires Advanced training and a torch.
The wrecks are unidentified boats, part of the seven wrecks Divingwawrecks records at the Coombe. Little is published about their size or condition. Their appeal lies in the challenge: a deep, dark river dive that tests buoyancy, navigation and composure. Marine life is sparse, mostly encrusting growth, anemones and small fish.
The site is reached by a 250 m surface swim to mooring buoy 352 or a tide-dependent shoreline walk to buoy 107. The surface swim crosses water used by boats and water skiers, and the channel carries tidal currents, so timing and a flag are essential.
This is a dive for experienced divers with Advanced or deep training, good torches and a buddy they trust, ideally with previous experience of the shallow Coombe wrecks. For most divers the shallow wrecks, Bicton Baths or Blackwall Reach give a better river experience with less risk.
River temperatures swing more than the ocean: about 22–26 °C in late summer but as low as 13–15 °C in winter, when a 7 mm suit or drysuit makes a long dive more comfortable. Rinse gear well afterwards, as the estuary water is often high in organic matter.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Coombe Deep Wrecks (Swan River) is recorded as Freshwater Lake/River in Perth. The listed access is shore. 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 The Coombe Deep Wrecks (Swan River) 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 The Coombe Deep Wrecks (Swan River) 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
Encrusting invertebrates, anemones, small fish
Location
Two boat wrecks in 18–22 m in the Swan River channel off Coombe Reserve, Mosman Park, reached by a 250 m swim to mooring buoy 352.
Facilities nearby
Small car park and grassed area at Coombe Reserve.
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
howiesscuba.comhowiesscuba.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
