DestinationsThe ex-HMAS Perth near Albany is a former guided-missile destroyer scuttled as an artificial reef in King George Sound, Western Australia. This is an offshore boat dive, not a shore-entry site.
Depth and dive planning
The WA Museum records its scuttling on 24 November 2001 in 38 metres of water off Seal Island. The depth you actually visit depends on the dive plan and the part of the wreck. Confirm current conditions, maximum depth, certification and recent experience with your operator; do not assume the whole site is suitable for a newly qualified diver.
Wreck penetration requires suitable training, equipment and experience. The presence of prepared openings does not eliminate silt, entrapment or overhead-environment hazards. Visibility and current should be checked locally, rather than treated as guaranteed.
Access from Albany
Arrange a boat charter and confirm the current permit requirements. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service lists a permit for vessels operating in the former Perth artificial reef ship zone. Ask your charter operator how the necessary arrangements are handled before departure.
History
HMAS Perth II was decommissioned in 1999 before becoming a dive wreck in 2001. It should not be confused with the earlier HMAS Perth lost during the Second World War in Indonesia.
For another Western Australian wreck, compare HMAS Swan near Dunsborough; the two wrecks are in different areas and require separate travel planning.
Checked 13 October 2026: WA Museum: Perth II; official permit listing.
You can dive HMAS Perth all year long. Access: from the Shore. See the map of HMAS Perth on the right for the exact location.
Fishes you may spot while diving HMAS Perth
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Bannerfish
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Clownfish
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Eagle Ray
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Goatfish
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Grouper
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Leopard Shark
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Lion Fish
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Moray Eel
... and more fishes & sea life, Angelfish, Bull Ray
Photos
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Clown fishes waiting in front of their blue anemone housePhoto by Jihye Lee -
Lion Fish swimming in crystal clear waterPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Orange Lion FishPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Yellow Moray Eel RangiroaPhoto by Yann Hubert -
Yellow Moray EelPhoto by Yann Hubert -
Stack Eagle RaysPhoto by Matthieu Billaud -
Potato Grouper At NightPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Eagle Rays Flying AwayPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Wonderful Eagle RayPhoto by Matthieu Billaud -
Two Lion Fish Swimming Blue OceanPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara
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