Meet the site
Coombe Reserve in Mosman Park is one of the main Swan River dive sites, with a group of small wrecks close to shore in the shallows and two more wrecks in deeper water off the bank. Divingwawrecks counts seven wrecked boats at the Coombe in 7–22 m, none of which have been positively identified.
The shallow wrecks lie in 9–12 m within easy reach of the grassy kit-up area. There are two timber hulls about 5–7 m long, heavily decayed, one deeper and one shallower, the latter surrounded by beams, barrels and a small dinghy. Lines running north and south lead to further small dinghy wrecks. They are small but make good navigation targets and habitat.
Marine life is sparse and mostly encrusting: anemones, sponges and sessile invertebrates on the timbers, with seahorses, gobbleguts, stripeys and sea stars. Large anemones are a feature. At night the river comes alive with prawns and crabs.
Visibility is usually poor, typically around 3 m, and dark water after rain is common. The river is a working and recreational waterway with boats, water skiers and kayakers, and the reserve has no dive flag, so bring your own.
The shallow wrecks suit Open Water divers comfortable with compass navigation and low visibility, particularly on days when the ocean is too rough. Divers with Advanced training can add the deep wrecks off the same reserve.
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 Shallow 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.
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 Shallow Wrecks (Swan River) 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 The Coombe Shallow 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
Seahorses, gobbleguts, stripeys, sea stars, large anemones, sponges, encrusting invertebrates, prawns, crabs
Location
Small timber boat wrecks in 9–12 m off Coombe Reserve on the Mosman Park bank of the Swan River.
Facilities nearby
Small car park (about 10 cars) and grassed area; no toilets confirmed. Air fills in Fremantle and Claremont.
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.
