The South West is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. Where turquoise waters meet the soft white sands of quiet bays. With hundreds of wineries to explore on land, bush walks and wildflowers to Sea Lion colonies, Dolphins and Orca there really is no way that you could be left without something to do. This blog is going to explore all of the beautiful in, and on, the water activities that you should include in your road trip itinerary. 

Busselton – Cape Naturaliste 

Starting in one of the best locations and iconic snorkel sites, Busselton, in particular- the Busselton Jetty. The Busselton Jetty is the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere and is an Australian icon to say the least. The Jetty stretches 1.8km out to sea and hosts over 300 species of marine life as well as a locally made sculpture trail. Under the jetty you can find huge schools of Australian herring, octopus, cuttlefish, colourful corals and mermaids (literally)! The maximum depth at this site is 9 meters and the visibility is usually 15+ metres, therefore perfect for snorkelling, freediving or a shallow scuba dive. 

Here at Swan Dive, we provide both snorkelling and scuba tours. You can even scuba dive with no experience! Allow one of our highly experienced instructors to guide you around this underwater oasis and experience the magic of the Busselton Jetty for yourself. For certified divers, you can also explore the beauty of the 4 mile reef, a slightly deeper reef dive oozing with life. 

Heading further towards the cape, you will find Cape Naturaliste. This is one of the most beautiful drives that the South West has to offer and is full of pristine beaches. Some of the best beaches include – Half Moon Bay, Castle Rock, Meelup Beach, Gannet Rock, Eagle Bay, Point Piquet and Bunker Bay. Check out our blog all about the best snorkelling spots in this area! 

The best way to explore all of these beaches plus spot Dolphins and Whales along the way (seasonal) is via our ‘Eco Boat Tour’. We will take you to beaches that you can only access from a boat and tell you lots of historical information along the way (plus heaps of wildlife facts of course)! On this tour, we set off from Quindalup boat ramp to explore shipwrecks, bays, caves, the lighthouse and our very own local Sea Lion colony! 

Approximately 3km from Meelup you can find the HMAS Swan Wreck, an Ex – Naval destroyer ship purposefully scuttled in 1997 for recreational use. This is an extremely accessible wreck dive with easy entry and exit points. The ship sits in 32 meters worth of water with the top deck being at 18m. The ship is 112 x 12 meters and therefore a double dive is the perfect amount of time to fully explore the wreck. Allow our experienced guides to take you on a tour exploring the best sections of the wreck and pointing out all of the local wildlife. From huge schools of Batfish circling the crow’s nest to large wobbegongs hiding under the stern, you will find yourself immersed in historical beauty. 

Cape Naturaliste – The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Cruising towards Cape Naturaliste lighthouse, you will find Shelly Cove, an idyllic and secluded bay perfect for paddling and relaxing.

When you reach the lighthouse, you will be able to look directly over the Indian Ocean where there isn’t land for hundreds of kilometres. On our Eco Boat tour you will be able to view with your own eyes the caves that lie beneath the lighthouse and our very own local Sea Lion colony. 

Margaret River Region 

Headed around the Cape, this is when you will reach Yallingup – one of the most beautiful places in the South West that has an awesome surf and snorkel spot! Yallingup lagoon is the perfect place to chill with the family, snorkel in the protected area or head out the back for a surf. There is even a local wobbegong that likes to play hide and seek! Depending on the conditions ‘Yallingup main break’ tends to run 2-5 meter swells. Yallingup beach is also a great spot for sunset. 

Further South is where you will reach Canal Rocks and the ‘Aquarium’. Canal Rocks is a great snorkel spot on a calm day. Otherwise, hike over the boulders and watch the waves break. It really is a spectacle to see. You can also dive at Canal Rocks depending on the conditions. This spot is susceptible to strong underwater currents and high swells. Luckily, here at Swan Dive, we run dive charters where we will drop you in the best and safest spot as well as offer essential surface support. 

The Aquarium is a short walk up the hill and offers the perfect snorkel spot for beginners. The sheltered area hosts small fish, octopus, rays and a local wobbe! It is a 1.3km bush track down to the site so make sure to wear some shoes! 

Towards Margaret River, you will find Gnarabub and the White Elephant Cafe. The bay directly opposite the cafe hosts amazing wildlife such as sea dragons, cuttlefish and small reef fish. You can head into the cafe and they will hand you a free snorkel slate so that you can peacefully make your way around and identify some of the local wildlife along the way.

Margaret River – Albany

From Margaret River, you will begin to head down the coast and reach Hamelin Bay, an iconic spot where you can swim with stingrays! Hamelin Bay is a great spot to take your mask and snorkel and explore the shallow waters of the protected bay. After Hamelin, you have to stop and check out the Cape Leeuwin lighthouse where you can observe Sea Birds and seasonal migrating whales! A short drive is Granny’s Pool on the cusp of Flinders Bay which is perfect for a cool-down dip or snorkel. The waters here are protected, shallow and visibility is great. 

Towards Denmark, you will find 2 iconic spots that are super close to each other- Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks. You can snorkel in Greens spotting beautifully colored sea urchins, sea stars and small fish then head over on foot to check out the epic ‘Elephant Rock’ structures. 

Albany- Bremer Bay 

Once you reach Bremer Bay, you can hop onboard a tour with Naturaliste Charters and head out to the continental shelf where you can observe Orcas in their wildest form. This day tour runs between December – April and simply can’t be missed.

Written by Meg.