Meet the site
The Trial (Tryall) was an English East Indiaman of about 500 tons that struck an uncharted reef on 25 May 1622 — the first recorded English ship to encounter Australia and the oldest known shipwreck in Australian waters. Of her 143 crew, a minority escaped in boats to Java.
In 1969 John MacPherson and Eric Christiansen analysed the records, and diver Naoom Haimson found wreckage almost immediately on the south-western side of Tryal Rocks, including six cannon and up to eight period anchors. A large iron cannon is displayed in the WA Shipwreck Galleries in Fremantle. Although maritime archaeologist Jeremy Green judged the evidence equivocal, most researchers accept the identification. The Marine Life Network lists cannons, anchors and ballast stones at about 6 m, accessible only in calm weather.
The site is protected under Commonwealth legislation.
About the Montebellos: the group of more than 200 small limestone islands and islets lies 120 km west of Dampier and is protected as the Montebello Islands Marine Park, with more than 150 hard coral species, over 450 fish species, 170 echinoderms and 630 molluscs recorded. Flatback, green and hawksbill turtles nest here, and humpback, minke and Bryde's whales, dolphins and dugong frequent the waters. The islands carry a unique history: British atomic tests were conducted on and near Trimouille and Alpha islands in 1952 (Operation Hurricane) and 1956 (Operation Mosaic), and visitors are advised to visit rather than camp on those islands. Pearl farming has operated in the lagoons since the early 1900s.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tryall Wreck (Tryal Rocks) is recorded as Wreck in Pilbara & Dampier. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). 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.
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 Tryall Wreck (Tryal Rocks) 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 Tryall Wreck (Tryal Rocks) 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
Reef fish and coral growth on the reef and artefacts
Location
Site of the English East India Company ship Trial (Tryall), wrecked 25 May 1622 on Tryal Rocks about 32 km north-west of the Montebello Islands — Australia's oldest known shipwreck; about 6 m.
Facilities nearby
None – remote uninhabited islands. Radiation warning signs on Trimouille and Alpha islands.
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.orgmarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.