Image Credit: @outdoorexplorer_wa
Coogee Maritime Trail, Coogee
Located only 25 meters from the shore, the dive and snorkel trail at the Coogee Maritime Trail features an underwater art gallery, artificial reef, and underwater access to the Omeo shipwreck. With most of the trail being around 2.5 to 5 meters deep, it is suitable for beginner snorkelers and divers. Immerse yourself in a variety of sea life including starfish, molluscs, fish and nudibranchs. The underwater gallery features a sculpture of a sealion emerging from the water, an old railway wheel and replica Dutch cannon. The Coogee Maritime Trail can be accessed from Socrates Parade in North Coogee with free parking available on Socrates Parade and nearby streets. Be sure to plan ahead as it can get quite busy on weekends and during the school holidays.
Image Credit: @chelle_xo23
Burns Beach
Burns Beach may appear like any small, sandy beach, but don’t be fooled, the rocky reef stretches beyond the shore and is home to all sorts of reef fish, including the elusive Dhufish. The reef close to shore is suitable for all ages and capabilities, but if heading further out, prior snorkelling experience is recommended. Make a day of it and grab a coffee or bite to eat from the close-by coffee shop Sistas Burns Beach Café & Restaurant. Plenty of parking is available at the ocean-facing end of Burns Beach Road but be warned, parking does get busy on weekends and warmer days so make sure to plan ahead.
Mettams Pool, Trigg
Mettams Pool is one of the most picturesque and popular snorkelling destinations in Perth. The water is less than two meters deep and has a rock formation providing shelter from the waves, making this spot perfect for snorkelers of all ages and capabilities. The best parking spot is north of the reef. From there you can walk along the footpath to the stairs leading down to the beach. Easily accessible and close to plenty of cafes, this spot is perfect for families or friends looking for a way to spend a summers day coast side.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest boasts some of the most dazzling snorkelling locations in the Perth area. The island’s turquoise bays provide excellent snorkelling conditions for all ages and capabilities. Expect to see more than 400 species of fish and 20 types of coral at these snorkelling locations. Parker point features a variety of spots for snorkelers of all levels to explore. Follow the trail marked out by plaques along the seabed to discover more about the local Rotto flora and fauna. Parker point is accessible either by walking, bike or bus. Salmon Bay is a great spot to explore as its rich seagrass forms a vital habitat for juvenile marine life. Head further round the coastline to Little Salmon Bay where you’ll find a marine snorkel trail made up of 10 underwater plaques. The bays are also accessible by walking, bike or bus. The Basin is the most popular beach on the island due to its proximity to the Settlement. It’s a great place for kids and beginners to dip their toes into the snorkelling world and explore the abundance of fish. For those of us lucky enough to have access to a boat, be sure to check out Fish Hook Bay. Here you’ll find a diverse range of fish and if you’re lucky, some seals and sea lions. Snorkelling equipment and bikes can be hired from the Pedal & Flipper hire store on the island.
Shoalwater Marine Park, Rockingham
50km south of Perth, you’ll find a snorkelling oasis for those in the south. The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park’s shallow waters are home to the limestone archipelago, including dolphins, sea lions, fish, crabs and even penguins. From the mainland, the best snorkelling is around Point Peron, which is situated within the park and filled with overhangs and small caves ready to explore close to shore. Simply park at the end of Point Peron Road and enter the snorkel site from the beach at Long Reach.
Yanchep Lagoon
Yanchep Lagoon is a hidden snorkelling and fishing gem located 45 minutes north of Perth city. The lagoon-shaped reef offers protection from the elements and maintains visibility to ensure you don’t miss any of the reef’s sea creatures and coral. There is a permanent rip present in the channel due to the water rushing over the northward reefs along the lagoon which is important to consider if you are an inexperienced swimmer. Apart from this, the beach is considered quite safe.
Boyinaboat Reef, Hillarys
Located 75 meters from the sea wall of Hillarys Boat Harbour, Boyinaboat Reef is in a sanctuary zone at the southern end of a chain of inshore reefs. The reef boasts plenty of fish and other marine life but depending on the weather conditions accessing the reef can be difficult, so it's best to explore the site with an experienced snorkeller. A bit of effort is required to get to the reef, including walking along the breakwater and climbing down over the rocks. Once there, let the ten informational plaques guide you along as you explore the caves and swim-through ledges in the six-metre-deep water. The best way to get there is to park behind AQWA on Southside Drive. Snorkelling equipment can be hired from Perth Diving Academy, just a five minutes drive from the reef.
Marmion Marine Park, Waterman’s Bay
Suitable for scuba divers and snorkellers of all levels, the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club (MAAC) dive and snorkel trail is a great option for your next underwater adventure. Dive down under the water and follow 20 submerged concrete plinths along a 400-metre trail, varying in a depth of 2 to 6 metres. The plinths feature printed facts about the sea creatures and features of the reefs and lagoons of the marine park. Many exciting sea critters call this reef their home including Port Jackson sharks, wobbegongs, and many schools of WA fish species. Marmion’s most elusive and prized species, the Weedy Sea Dragon, may be harder to spot sometimes only being seen during night dives. There are many facilities and services close by, including public toilets and changing rooms north of the trail at the Sorento surf club. Although the dive is designed for snorkelers and beginner divers, make sure to swim within your limits and take a friend. Marmion Marine Park is located offshore from Perth’s northern suburbs between Trigg and Burns Beach.Hero Image - Mettams Pool
