Meet the site
The Uribes is one of only two Rottnest wrecks that the WA Museum recommends to snorkellers, and it is probably the easiest historic wreck in Western Australia to visit. She was a 37 m auxiliary schooner of about 118 tons, built in 1868 at Stockton-on-Tees in England, with a steel or iron hull by the time of her loss. In mid-1942 she was loading machinery and ammunition from the Oliver Hill gun battery - military stores and two motor vehicles according to the Museum - when her motors failed as she left Thomson Bay near Phillip Rock. Her anchors dragged and she drifted onto the shore at the base of the Natural Jetty, where she quickly sank and filled with sand.
The sand has preserved her: machinery and parts of the hull are still well defined in 2.5-4 m of water, just metres off the beach, and on a calm day the outline is visible from shore. Small reef fish, wrasse and juvenile bream use the wreck as shelter, and the adjoining limestone of the Natural Jetty adds reef life to the swim.
It is a perfect site for families, first-time snorkellers and anyone doing the Rottnest wreck trail by bike, and a gentle scuba dive for a check-out or a relaxed hour. Visibility is modest compared with the offshore sites because of the sand bottom and swimmers. Like all Rottnest wrecks it is protected; look but do not touch or remove anything. The wreck is also a popular night snorkel for island visitors staying in the settlement.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Uribes Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Rottnest Island. 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.
- 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 Uribes Wreck suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Uribes Wreck 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
Western king wrasse, juvenile buffalo bream, sergeant baker, blennies, stingarees on the sand, octopus, seagrass fauna
Location
Sand-filled auxiliary schooner lying in 2.5-4 m at the base of the Natural Jetty near Phillip Point on the south side of Thomson Bay, a few metres from shore.
Facilities nearby
Bike parking at the track head; toilets and cafes in the Thomson Bay settlement (1.5 km); snorkel hire from Pedal & Flipper and other outlets; no scuba air on Rottnest.
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.commuseum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.aurottnestisland.comrottnestisland.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.