The HMAS Swan is a 113-metre former naval destroyer escort scuttled in 1997 near Dunsborough in Western Australia. The offshore wreck is explored by boat, usually with a local dive charter.
Depth and experience
Swan Dive describes the seabed at 32 metres, the main deck around 18 metres and the crow’s nest around 8 metres. Its trips require Open Water certification or higher and a dive within the previous six months. Open Water divers must stay within their certification limits; the shallower parts do not make the entire wreck a beginner dive.
Choose a guided dive if you need support with buoyancy, depth or wreck hazards. Penetration is a separate activity requiring suitable wreck training, equipment and experience. Large cut-outs do not remove overhead-environment risks.
Marine life and conditions
Fish seen around the wreck include batfish, groupers, samsonfish and bullseyes. Wildlife and visibility vary. The WA parks authority warns that currents occur here, so check the weather and local dive briefing rather than relying on a promise of calm conditions.
Boat access and permits
A permit is required to dive the wreck; arrange it with the visitor centre or local dive shop. The wreck lies within the Eagle Bay Sanctuary Zone, where fishing and spearfishing are prohibited. Confirm departure point, equipment, current permit arrangements and suitable depth with the charter operator.
HMAS Swan sinking
The wreck was scuttled on 14 December 1997. This archive video records its sinking.
Checked 13 October 2026: WA Parks: HMAS Swan; Swan Dive: depths and participation requirements.
Best time to dive: the ideal period to plan holidays here is November to October. Access: Boat. See the map of HMAS Swan on the right for the exact location.
Fishes you may spot while diving HMAS Swan
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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
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Parrotfish
... and more fishes & sea life, 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 -
Lion FishPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Moray Eel Lembeh StraitPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Moray Eel HidingPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Eagle Ray CloseupPhoto by Matthieu Billaud -
Moray Eel CloseupPhoto by Agnes Tjandranegara -
Moray Eel Lembeh StraitPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Moray EelPhoto by Jihye Lee -
Eagle RayPhoto by Matthieu Billaud
Diving Reviews for this region
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Liveaboard Reviews in Australia
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MV Scubapro III
Photos: Pro Dive Cairns / LiveAboard.com. Fleet photographs show the shared boat style; individual interiors may differ.
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MV Scubapro II
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Beware of Cape Dive Dunsborough.
I called Tracee of Cape Dive on the Monday to ensure I could book a ex-HMAS Swan dive for the following Friday. I paid via the website and got a confirmation email. I booked my overnight accommodation in Dunsborough and drove down from Perth. I called Tracee when I got there just to confirm everything and she said “nah, it’s just you. I’m not taking the boat out for one person”. No apology, nothing. When I mentioned I was out of pocket and wasted my time she said “didn’t you read the fine print”. She had my phone number (provided as part of the booking) and didn’t bother to call me. Had I not called her I would have been standing on the beach 8am Friday saying ‘WTF!’.
I would not recommend anybody to deal with this company. Very rude, and arrogant.