Best Archaeological Remains In Perth Near Me

4worldlovers: The WA Shipwrecks Museum is internationally recognised for its contributions to maritime archaeology and shipwreck conservation.

Journey through its galleries to learn about Western Australia’s treacherous coast, first European encounters, the riches of maritime trade and one of the deadliest mutinies in known history.


Located on Whadjuk Nyoongar land, the Museum is housed inside Fremantle’s historic Commissariat buildings. Originally built to store the food, clothing and building supplies of the Swan River colony, these buildings are among the first Western Australian sites built using convict labour.

With the creation of the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976, the Western Australian Museum became the delegated authority for management of Commonwealth historic shipwrecks and relics in Western Australia.

4worldlovers: The first of its kind in Western Australia, the award-winning Coogee Maritime Trail is centred around the Omeo Shipwreck and includes an underwater dive and snorkel trail and a land-based trail.

The trails not only provide access to our beautiful marine life, but also offer a unique opportunity to educate and build awareness about out significant maritime history and archaeology. Located only 25 metres from the shore, the dive and snorkel trail begin at the Omeo shipwreck and includes:

The underwater trail begins in shallow water while its western-most extent reaches a maximum depth of 7 metres. Most of the trail is around 2.5 to 5 metres deep, making it suitable for snorkelers and novice divers.

The artificial reef and underwater art sculptures around the shipwreck create a linear dive trail and habitat for aquatic life. Underwater educational plaques give information about the Omeo shipwreck, maritime history and aquatic life in the area.

The Coogee Maritime Trail and historic Omeo shipwreck are home to all kinds of beautiful sea life. However, they are being damaged by climbing, touching and misuse.

Remember to follow these simple tips when snorkeling on the trail, and always be a responsible snorkeler.

Take photos (and tag the City of Cockburn if you share)

New to snorkeling, or never been to the Coogee Maritime Trail before? Try these simple tips for a good time!

Check the conditions – including weather, wind and currents as these can impact your experience

Take a flotation device – pool noodles, bodyboards and kickboards can help you stay afloat and avoid accidentally resting on the wreck

There is limited parking so make sure you carpool, walk, or ride a bike

Be mindful of other users and take care with your flippers around the wreck

Look but don’t touch the marine life – the trail sees high numbers of visitors over summer and frequent handling harms our sea life, plus some sea creatures can be dangerous!

We are tracking visitor numbers and need your help. Please visit our online booking form and complete an application for your school and or group before visiting the trail. Educational resources are available for loan.

Please note: Fishing and Boating are prohibited in the Coogee Maritime Trail area at all times.

The Coogee Maritime Trail can be accessed from Socrates Parade in North Coogee (view Google map).

Free parking is available on Socrates Parade and nearby streets. Parking is also available on Chieftain Esplanade, and extends around the corner onto the southern peninsular. A path connects this parking area to the Omeo Shipwreck at Coogee Maritime Trail.

The dive and snorkel trail starts at the Omeo shipwreck and continues 200m west, following the southern breakwater.

The land-based trail runs parallel along the breakwater esplanade, near Socrates Parade in North Coogee.

The trail can be easily accessed from the beach at the northern end of Coogee Beach via the beach access path from Perlinte View, North Coogee.

Important note: The City has installed stairs for ease of access. We strongly discourage visitors from climbing over the rock breakwater and seawall to access the underwater trail for safety reasons.

There are many facilities and services close by, some within walking distance and others a very short drive away, including: