Meet the site
The Ville de Rouen was a French four-masted iron barque of 1,303 tons and 66.9 m, built by Ateliers et Chantiers de la Loire at St Nazaire, one of only a small number of four-masted ships lost on the WA coast. She left Cardiff for Fremantle with pig iron, fire bricks and alcohol and, approaching at night in poor visibility on 28 October 1901, ran aground on a reef north of Guilderton. The French consul blamed strong currents and restricted visibility rather than the captain.
The wreck lies about 3 nautical miles offshore near the Moore River mouth. The ship's structure has been flattened and reclaimed by the reef, but its fittings, masts and deck machinery remain. The debris covers about 90 m, from the bow in 9 m on sand to the stern on reef in 5–7 m. Large mast sections lie towards the southern edge, and deck winches are visible.
The reef and wreckage support buffalo bream, sweep, wrasse, herring cale and lobsters, with kelp and sponges on the ironwork.
The long run from Two Rocks means few divers visit, and those who do need calm weather and an early start. It suits Open Water divers with their own boat and an interest in maritime history. The wreck is protected, so nothing may be removed. Guilderton makes a pleasant base.
Water temperatures on this coast range from about 17–18 °C in late winter to 22–23 °C in late summer; a 7 mm wetsuit with a hood suits most of the year.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ville de Rouen Wreck is recorded as Wreck in Perth. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Ville de Rouen Wreck 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 Ville de Rouen 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
Buffalo bream, sweep, wrasse, herring cale, western rock lobster, kelp, sponges
Location
Flattened remains of the French four-masted barque Ville de Rouen, wrecked in 1901, on reef in 5–9 m about 3 nautical miles off Guilderton near the Moore River mouth, north of Two Rocks.
Facilities nearby
Two Rocks Marina ramp, parking, toilets and fuel; Guilderton township has a caravan park and general store.
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.
