The Coogee Maritime Trail starts at the wreck of the Omeo, just metres from the beach. Here's how to snorkel it, when to go and what you'll see.
A shipwreck you can swim to
Most shipwreck dives need a boat, a licence and a lot of gear. The Omeo in Coogee needs a mask, a snorkel and a calm morning.
The wreck sits in shallow water just off the beach, and it’s the starting point of the Coogee Maritime Trail, a short underwater trail with plaques and sculptures. It’s one of the easiest snorkels in Perth, and one of my favourite things to do with my nieces and nephews once they’re confident in the water.
Quick facts
- Where: Coogee Beach, at the start of the Coogee Maritime Trail.
- Distance: About 200 metres west along the southern breakwater.
- Depth: Mostly 2.5 to 5 metres, reaching about 7 metres at the far end.
- What you need: Just a mask and snorkel. No boat or licence.
- Best time: A calm, sunny morning before the sea breeze.
- Getting in: Use the stairs or walk in from the beach. Don’t climb the breakwater or the wreck.
“A half submerged shipwreck (the Omeo) is great for snorkelling.”
Jack DC, Tripadvisor review
The story of the Omeo
The Omeo was an iron steamship built in England in 1858. After a long working life, including time as a coal hulk, it was driven ashore and wrecked at Coogee in 1905. More than a century later, its hull is still poking out of the water and is now covered in marine life.
What you’ll see on the trail
According to the City of Cockburn, the trail starts at the Omeo and runs about 200 metres west along the southern breakwater. Most of it is between 2.5 and 5 metres deep, reaching about 7 metres at the far end.
- The wreck itself, home to schools of fish and plenty of weed and coral growth.
- Underwater plaques explaining the wreck, local maritime history and the sea life around you.
- Sculptures, including a giant sea star you can swim through, a replica cannon and an anchor.
“Great jetty and shark safe beach. Snorkelling trail great for kids and beginners.”
Sheryl B, Tripadvisor review
How to get in
Use the stairs or walk in from the beach. The City asks people not to climb over the rock breakwater or seawall. The trail can also be reached from the northern end of Coogee Beach, via the beach path from Perlinte View in North Coogee.
Look, but don’t touch. Don’t stand on or climb the wreck, and don’t take anything from it. A pool noodle or kickboard is a good idea, so you can rest without grabbing the hull.
When to go
Pick a calm, sunny morning before the sea breeze arrives. On a flat day, the water is clear and visibility is at its best. Parking is limited near the wreck, so get there early on summer weekends.
“The water is crystal clear blue and usually flat so great for kids”
lindadownunder, Tripadvisor review
Afterwards, dry off at Coogee Beach, have a jump off the jetty, or grab lunch at nearby Port Coogee. If you love being in the water, our guide to Penguin Island and Rockingham has another great snorkelling day out. On the way home, stop for a wander through East Fremantle.
Featured image: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The wreck is only about 25 metres from shore in shallow water. Use the stairs or walk in from the beach, and don’t climb over the breakwater.
