Western Australia has a great number of excellent varied dive locations, as would be expected of a coastline more than one-third the total of Australia. It is the only Australian state that covers both tropical and temperate waters with their respective marine life species. Due predominantly to its easy access to Perth and Freemantle, Rottnest Island is the most popular diving region. Wrecks, reefs, and pelagic schools; honeycomb coral and gorgonia; drop-offs and caves all give the local diver plenty to be interested in. Further south Safety Bay and Rockingham are good for a shore dive, whilst to the north the satellite sun city of Yanchep has a good off-shore reef popular for crays and fishing. The Abrolhos Islands, situated 72km off Geraldton is the wreck site of the infamous Dutch East Indiaman Batavia, wrecked in 1629. The site is protected. The Abrolhos have some of the finest coral gardens in the world and warm clear water. Well worth the trip. TOP SITES Rottnest Island HMAS Swan Marmion Marine Park Rowley Shoals Marine Park Ningaloo Marine Park The Navy Pier Abrolhos Islands Shoalwater Islands Marine Park HMAS Perth