Meet the site
Tourist Rock at Cheynes Beach is a simple, reliable shore dive in a quiet holiday settlement about an hour east of Albany. Cheynes Beach is linked in name to the Cheynes Beach Whaling Company, whose origins lie in shore whaling on Cheyne Bay, and is best known today for its caravan park, which draws fishers and bushwalkers exploring the nearby Waychinicup National Park and Mount Manypeaks.
Marine Life Network describes Tourist Rock as granite rocks in 10-13 m with a good selection of marine growth and fish life, and as a relatively safe shore dive. The granite forms rounded boulders and slabs with kelp and sargassum on top and sponges, ascidians and encrusting coralline algae on the shaded faces. Common fish include old wives, sweep, herring, wrasse, scalyfin, leatherjackets, harlequin fish and boarfish, with blue groper around the deeper boulders. The surrounding sand holds rays and flathead.
The site is ideal as a relaxed dive for visitors staying at Cheynes Beach, a checkout dive before heading out to Bald Island, or a snorkel on calm days. Nearby, off the western end of Hassell Beach in Cheyne Bay, are the scant remains of the French whaling brigantine Arpenteur, wrecked in a north-east gale in 1849 and rediscovered by fishermen in 1965 – a few frames and planking showing above the sand in 3 m, 100 m offshore.
There is no dive shop at Cheynes Beach, so fill tanks in Albany before driving out, and bring oxygen and a first-aid kit because the settlement is an hour from the nearest hospital.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tourist Rock (Cheynes Beach) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Albany & Great Southern. 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 Tourist Rock (Cheynes Beach) 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 Tourist Rock (Cheynes Beach) 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
Old wives, sweep, herring, wrasse, scalyfin, leatherjackets, harlequin fish, boarfish, blue groper, rays, flathead, kelp, sponges
Location
Granite-rock shore dive at Cheynes Beach, about 70-80 km east of Albany, in 10-13 m with good marine growth and fish life.
Facilities nearby
Cheynes Beach Caravan Park (shop, toilets, showers for guests); beach parking. Air fills in Albany (1 hour).
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.
