The navigation and antennae tower is about eight metres below the surface, with the upper deck at about 15 metres.
Up to 200 globefish are nearly always swimming at the bow of the ship. Large western blue groper, blue morwong, dusky morwong, mulloway and samsonfish are often seen. If you have wreck diving experience and qualifications, penetrating the hull is safe and easy. The ammunitions area with magazine racks, the bridge, cabins and toilets are all accessible. Watch out for cobblers in the darker recesses. The crows nest is at around seven metres depth, so while doing your decompression stop, look for blennies in the cut off railings. Large schools of batfish also supply entertainment while you wait.
A permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation or the visitor centre is required to dive on the scuttled ship. The best way to see HMAS Swan is by means of a dive charter. Local dive shops offer charters to see the outside of the ship, while an Advanced Wreck Dive Course can be completed to enable more experienced divers to explore inside the ship.
- Keep a close watch on times and air consumption.
- Currents run through this area so always check weather conditions before heading out.
