gemfyre: (Barracuda)
Map of site

Location: Northern Cottesloe Beach

Details: There are always people here. Families and kids just mucking about. Lap swimmers going back and forth along the back of the reef (keep an eye out for them - because they won't watch out for you). This reef has lots of different areas - flat meadows, sandy patches, caves and crevices. There is a large area to the north that has been stripped of vegetation by Tarwhines. There has been a shark attack in this area and many sightings - I haven't had the pleasure yet. Shark spotters patrol the area in summer and if you do get in trouble there are plenty of people nearby to help out or get help.

Skill required: It can be a little choppy and the current can be strong.

Things to see: A large variety of fish can be spotted here, including some large "table fish" (bream, mulloway etc). Juvenile Scalyfins are abundant.

Jellyfish level: Tolerable.

Overall rating: A pretty easy, reliable site as long as the wind isn't up. If the conditions are bad at least you can just wander the strip and get an ice cream or a drink.
gemfyre: (House Greyjoy)
Map of site

Location: South of Fremantle.

Details: Enter off the beach and swim out along the wall to the end (and around the end if you are keen - it can be a little rough out there, but the fish are huge). There is also a seagrass meadow nearby. Towards the end of the wall there is a sharp drop-off, if you like to dive large fish and brain corals can be spotted in the deeper water. There are often fishers on the wall so watch out for lines. Spear fishers also frequent the area, but I have never found them to be any trouble.

Skill required: All skill levels. I have taken a friend out here who was not a confident swimmer, but she was able to stay in near the wall right out to the end and still see plenty hiding in the crevices created by the rock wall. More experienced swimmers and divers can adventure into the nearby deeper water or around the tip of the wall.

Things to see: The seagrass meadows are full of sea-squirts, blue-manna crabs and various species of leatherjacket. The wall creates numerous caves and crevices that harbour all kinds of species of fish and other critters like cuttlefish.

Jellyfish level: Tolerable. There are jellyfish around. I haven't been stung here yet.

Overall rating: Always a good bet. Conditions are good most of the time and there is something for everyone.
gemfyre: (Giant polychaetes - series of tubes)
Map of site

Location: Just out of Rockingham.

Details: The northern part of Shoalwater Bay, this area is often calmer than the open water. The water is usually clear with a variety of weedy plateaus, sandy patches, ledges and caves. Entry is either off one of the two beaches, or off rocks to the south - this prevents sand getting all through your gear, but can be a bit of a clamber.

Skill required: Great for all skill levels, there is plenty to see close in to the shore. For stronger swimmers a lap around White Rock is recommended - there are plenty of larger fish in the caves around the rock.

Things to see: Various seaweeds and grasses. A large array of fish, Butterfish is very common at this site. Around White Rock you will often find Old Wives and Scalyfins. I have heard there is a large Smooth Ray in the area, but have yet to see it. Dolphins are also frequent.

Jellyfish level: LOW. I hardly ever see jellyfish here.

Overall rating: One of the best sites, 99% of the time the conditions will be good and you can just get in the water and see some great stuff.

May 2025

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