Coogee Beach, just south of Perth, is already a favourite with local families thanks to its clear, calm water and gently sloping shoreline. Adding to the appeal is the Omeo Shipwreck and Coogee Maritime Trail, an underwater adventure that lets kids and adults alike get up close to history, marine life and some seriously cool underwater art – all just a short swim from shore.
And as a bonus, there is now a pontoon with a slide anchored offshore, adding even more fun for confident swimmers once you have finished exploring the trail.
The Omeo itself lies only about 25 metres from the sand, making it one of the most accessible shipwrecks in WA. Built in Newcastle, England in 1858, the iron steamship was later converted to a sailing ship and played a key role in laying the Bass Strait Telegraph cable and the Overland Telegraph that linked Australia to Britain via Singapore. After decades of working the southern coasts, it was driven ashore and wrecked in 1905. Today the sternpost and parts of the collapsed bow can still be seen above the waterline from the beach, with the rest of the wreck resting in shallow, sheltered water that is perfect for beginner snorkellers and novice divers.
The Coogee Maritime Trail has turned the Omeo and its surrounds into a unique family-friendly marine Playground. Most of the snorkel trail sits between about 2 and 5 metres deep, reaching around 7 metres at its furthest point along the southern breakwater. For families, that means older kids and confident younger swimmers can explore with a mask, snorkel and fins, while even nervous swimmers can usually enjoy peeking into the underwater world in the shallows. Pool noodles, bodyboards or other flotation aids are a great idea for kids; they help them rest without needing to stand on any of the reef or artworks, and mean you can all stay out longer without tired legs cutting the adventure short.
As you swim out, you are greeted by an ever-changing cast of marine life well before you reach the main wreck. Schools of fish swirl around you as you make your way past the first landmarks, including the friendly seal statue, replica cannon and the cluster of reef structures close to the shore. These are often only waist-deep at low tide, making them ideal for younger children who might not yet be ready to venture further but still want to feel like they are part of the adventure.
The Omeo wreck itself is remarkably intact and easy to make out as you snorkel around and over it. Kids love tracing the outline of the hull and imagining what life was like when it sailed between Australian ports more than a century ago. Keep an eye out for shyer residents that sometimes peek out from the structure, as well as the many species of fish that now call the wreck and surrounding reef home. Whether or not you spot the famous resident eel, you are almost guaranteed to see plenty of colourful fish and other marine creatures darting through the nooks and crannies.
Beyond the wreck, the trail continues west along the groyne, where the water gradually deepens and the underwater art gallery comes into its own. The artificial reef is made up of dozens of purpose-built modules and sculptural pieces, designed both to create habitat for marine life and to be fun to explore.
Highlights include the Stella Maris giant sea star sculpture you can swim through, an old railway wheel and anchor recovered during the construction of Elizabeth Quay, and a series of striking reef forms that kids will enjoy “discovering” one by one.
Scatterings of educational plaques explain the history of the Omeo, the wider maritime heritage of the area and the species that live here, turning the experience into an informal outdoor classroom.
Back on land, the Coogee Maritime Trail continues along the breakwater esplanade near Socrates Parade. This land-based section ties the whole story together with restored anchors from the Omeo, more interpretive signage and a viewing area overlooking the shipwreck. The grassy areas and pathways above the beach are lovely for a stroll or a scooter ride between swims, and there is enough lawn to roll out a picnic rug while you dry off. Although there are no barbecues right by the trail itself, there are public barbecues nearby at Coogee Jetty and Port Coogee Marina if you want to make a day of it.
Families will be pleased to know that Omeo Park itself has recently welcomed a major upgrade, with a new architect‑designed amenities building right by the gateway to the Coogee Maritime Trail. The contemporary, low‑profile facility includes five toilets (with a Universal Accessible Toilet), male and female changerooms, two outdoor showers and a shaded seating area where you can regroup between swims or enjoy an ice cream out of the sun.
Thoughtful design means good accessibility, clear sightlines for safety and durable, low‑maintenance materials suited to the coastal environment, all of which make spending a full day by the seaside with kids much more comfortable.
Parking near North Coogee and Omeo Park can be tight in peak times, but there is additional parking at the northern end of Coogee Jetty and along the nearby streets, with paths leading down to the beach and wreck. A good range of facilities is within walking distance or a very short drive, including cafes like Dome Café, Beachpoint Café and Coogee Beach Café, as well as Port Coogee Shopping Centre for any last‑minute snacks or supplies.
One of the big reasons Coogee Beach is such a favourite with parents is how calm and clear the water generally is. There are no big dumping waves to contend with on most days, so it feels less intimidating for children building their confidence. Local families also love watching out for the resident seal and the pod of dolphins that are often seen cruising past or playing just beyond the swimmers. Adding to all this, there is now a pontoon with a slide anchored off Coogee Beach. It is a huge hit with older kids and teens who want to splash, slide and jump into the deep water, and it provides a fun extra activity between snorkels when everyone needs a break from their masks.
To help protect this special spot, it is important to follow a few basic etiquette and safety guidelines while you are there. Encourage kids to enjoy the wreck and reef with their eyes and cameras rather than their hands, and remind them not to stand or climb on the shipwreck or any of the underwater artworks. Taking souvenirs such as pieces of the wreck, reef or shells is not only harmful to the environment, it can also be illegal because of the Omeo’s protected status. Try to use flotation aids and return to the shore or shallows when you need to rest, rather than using parts of the wreck as a perch. As always, take any rubbish home with you or put it in the bins provided, and be gentle with marine life; frequent touching and handling can cause real harm, even to creatures that might look hardy.
For families looking to introduce children to snorkelling, the Omeo Shipwreck and Coogee Maritime Trail are hard to beat. The combination of shallow, sheltered water, fascinating history, underwater art, easy shore access and nearby facilities makes it a stress‑free outing that still feels like a proper adventure. Add in the excitement of spotting a seal or dolphins, and the extra fun of the pontoon with slide, and you have the makings of a day your kids will talk about for a long time.
Omeo Shipwreck and Coogee Maritime Trail
Address: Socrates Parade, Coogee Beach, WA
Opening hours: Open daily, all year round (weather and ocean conditions permitting)
Website: Coogee Maritime Trail and Omeo Shipwreck
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
