Lee Johnson: Messages

Swirl Reef is so called because of the "footprint" visible on the surface of the water after a swell has passed thru. The reef is virtually formed like a crater with a hollow in the center and many swimthroughs accessible from the inside, especially the northwest and southeast sections of the reef. The most awesome swim-through is accessible only from the outside and is again on the northwest side, with a huge cavernous opening at seabed level.

The HMAS Perth was brought from the USA in 1963 and was decommissioned from service in 1999. It had done 2 tours in Vietnam where it was the last Australian warship to be hit by enemy fire. The ship is 133 meters long, 14.2 meters wide and 42.7 meters tall. It was fitted with 2.5 inch guns, but unfortunately only one of these guns is still onboard. The wreck has a yellow special marker on top and it is surrounded by 10 mooring buoys. 6 yellow commercial buoys and 4 red public.

Point Peron is a fair weather dive site with many swim throughs and one or two larger caves. Popular for snorkelers as well it's a great family day out. Entry is easy via a few steps with a hand rail into the water. There is a swim of about 130m to mushroom rocks, 300m to the suggested dive site (depth 7m) and it's about 500m to the outer reef which lies in about 10m. There are reefs to the North which are a bit of a hike to lug equipment to but worth it if you are looking for deeper caves and swim-throughs.

This dive site is part of the Shoal Water Islands Marine Park. An alternative entry for diving the Northern Point is the car park on the Northern side of the peninsular. But a long and boring swim over sand. The geology is limestone and whilst largely fished out, there is nevertheless plenty to see including: Sea urchins, anemones, turban shells, sea stars, octopus, sea horses, and lots of colorful growth including hard and soft corals and bait fish which are predated upon by the penguins, etc. Take a torch for the caves but be careful of overhead environments. Small boats do come in here so take a Dive Flag and stay within 50m. Make sure you don’t leave any valuables in your car. The Western side of the outer reef is best avoided in swell.