Omeo Wreck, Coogee Beach: Shipwreck snorkelling in Perth

The Omeo Wreck at Coogee Beach in Perth is the centrepiece of the Coogee Maritime Trail. This snorkelling trail of sunken objects and sculptures is easily accessible from the beach.

The Omeo Wreck is one thing that elevates Coogee Beach over other Perth area beaches such as Scarborough Beach, Rockingham Beach, Trigg Beach and Leighton Beach.

Lying around 25 metres offshore, the Omeo Wreck at Coogee Beach is an unusually accessible Australian shipwreck. It can be explored just as easily by snorkellers as divers.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

Snorkelling the Omeo Wreck, Coogee Beach

The ship got bogged down in the sand and abandoned at Coogee Beach, Perth, in 1905. It now lies in water that’s two to four metres deep. The close proximity to the shore makes it easy to just swim out from the beach. The stern post still sticks out of the water, but the rest is very close beneath the surface. So grab a snorkel and mask to explore.

It is by no means the most spectacular shipwreck in Australia to swim around – try the HMAS Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast or SS Yongala near Townsville for that. But the Coogee Beach shipwreck is easy to reach, and that counts for a lot.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

Coogee Maritime Trail in Perth

More to the point, the Omeo Wreck in Perth has been made the centrepiece of the Coogee Maritime Trail. This Coogee Beach diving and snorkelling trail is effectively an underwater art gallery, with several objects deliberately sunk and a series of sculptures and artworks installed.

The Coogee Maritime Trail is free for all to use, and suitable for both snorkellers and novice divers. There are plenty of educational plaques to read along the way, too.

For relatively cheap accommodation near the Omeo Wreck, try the Discovery Parks Coogee Beach holiday park.