Meet the site
The Vergulde Draeck ('Gilt Dragon') is one of the most important shipwrecks in Australian history. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship was carrying 193 people and 78,600 guilders in silver to Batavia when she struck a shallow reef about 3 nautical miles off the coast between present-day Ledge Point and Seabird on 28 April 1656 – making her the third-oldest known wreck on the Australian coast after the Trial and the Batavia. Of those aboard, 75 reached shore. Seven men sailed a small boat to Batavia for help, but rescue expeditions failed, and the 68 people left ashore were never found. The search for them produced the first European charts of the Perth coast and led indirectly to Willem de Vlamingh's exploration of the Swan River in 1696-97.
In 1931 a cache of 32 silver coins minted between 1615 and 1655 was found in the dunes north of Seabird, hinting at the survivors' presence. The wreck itself was discovered in 1963 by a group of young spearfishers including Graeme Henderson, who later became a leading maritime archaeologist; they found elephant tusks, yellow bricks and cannons on the seabed. The WA Museum subsequently excavated the site, and its discovery helped trigger Western Australia's pioneering historic shipwreck legislation.
Underwater, the site is a limestone reef with a surrounding cave and gutter system in shallow water. Most artefacts have been recovered, so there is little of the ship to see today; the interest is historical, and the reef itself holds typical west coast temperate-tropical life – buffalo bream, sweep, western king wrasse, harlequin fish, crayfish and sponges.
Because the reef is swept by breaking waves, the site is seldom dived and is only approachable in near-flat conditions. It is protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act, and the location should be respected.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Vergulde Draeck Wreck (Gilt Dragon) is recorded as Wreck in Turquoise Coast. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Vergulde Draeck Wreck (Gilt Dragon) 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 Vergulde Draeck Wreck (Gilt Dragon) 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 rock lobster, buffalo bream, sweep, western king wrasse, harlequin fish, dhufish, sponges, kelp
Location
Site of the Dutch East India Company ship Vergulde Draeck, wrecked in 1656 on a shallow reef about 3 nautical miles offshore between Ledge Point and Seabird; a protected historic wreck in heavy surf.
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.comdivingwawrecks.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.