Explore Rockingham
Only a short trip from Western Australia’s capital city of Perth lies Rockingham with beautiful beaches and limestone cliffs. The large stretch of coast has a great variation of dive sites, with a number of wrecks and flourishing reefs to explore while bottlenose dolphins are often sighted from the shore. Scuba diving in Rockingham is accessible to everyone, with beginner wrecks sitting on sandy flats at only 15 metres deep to caves eroded into the limestone at 26 metres deep.
Rockingham diving is possible from the two dive centres in the area or from Perth dive centres. Dive resorts are not common in the area while if you intend to explore more of Western Australia, jump on visiting liveaboard which will help you discover more incredible WA diving.
The best Months to dive in Rockingham
In Rockingham’s clear waters there is a great opportunity to see dolphins, which have been known to the area for many years, while in the winter months, humpback whales may pass by. Around Rottnest Island, sea turtles, leafy sea dragons and lionfish can all be spotted in the limestone walls and sheltering in caves, wobbegong sharks and grey nurse sharks are found taking refuge from choppy seas. Huge groupers patrol sites and crayfish cling to walls while at wrecks, large schools of batfish have made the artificial reef their home with cuttlefish seen on the sandy flats showcasing their intricate patterns. At shallow dive sites, seahorse and the blue manna swimmer crab can be found.
Top Rockingham Dive Sites
1. Bell Park Wreck Trail
This easy-to-navigate 18m dive trail includes four boats and two aircraft wrecks, all linked by guide ropes. Ideal for beginner to intermediate scuba divers. Expect to see batfish, stingrays, and nudibranchs among the wreckage.
2. North Point, Rottnest Island
Advanced scuba divers can explore vibrant reef walls, tunnels, and caves. Look out for resting wobbegong sharks and schooling reef fish. The varied topography makes this an exciting adventure for experienced divers.
3. Shark Cave, Rottnest Island
This site offers intermediate-level diving at depths up to 20m. Divers can explore small caves while observing grey nurse sharks, especially during summer. The site is rich in marine life and dramatic rock features.
4. HMAS Swan (Dunsborough)
Accessible by boat, this 113m wreck sits between 18–30m. Technical and advanced divers can penetrate large cutouts to explore cabins and deck areas. Common sightings include bullseyes, batfish, and the occasional grouper.
5. HMAS Perth (Albany)
This 133m-long wreck lies in 35m of water and is suited for advanced and technical scuba divers. A guided trail leads to key features such as the control tower and main gun. The structure teems with marine life and offers excellent photo ops.