The Athena is a small but historically interesting wreck on the northern shore of King George Sound, lying in the surf zone between Ledge Point and Herald Point. She was a wooden barque built in 1869 that, like several vessels in Albany, ended her working life as a coal storage hulk (from 1898) serving steamships calling at the port. When she was no longer needed she was set on fire and abandoned against the shore.

Marine Life Network notes that substantial timber remains survive, which is unusual for a shallow surf-zone wreck: the stem, breast hook and windlass barrel are recognisable, along with metal knees and fastenings, chain and hawse pipes. The hull lies about 30 m from the base of the cliffs at roughly 90 degrees to the shore, in only about 2 m of water.

The site is part of Albany's rich collection of hulk and whaling-era wrecks (others include the Kingfisher, Sarah Burnyeat and Lady Lyttleton), and it appeals most to divers and snorkellers with an interest in maritime archaeology. Kelp and seagrass grow around the timbers, and the usual shallow-reef fish – old wives, wrasse, leatherjackets, herring – shelter among the remains.

The practical difficulty is access. The site is in the surf zone, so even small swell creates surge and white water, and reaching it from shore involves scrambling down rocks. It is best approached by small boat from Emu Point on a flat day. The wreck is protected historic material, so nothing may be disturbed or removed.

From Albany follow Lower King Road and Nanarup Road to Ledge Point Road (about 15 minutes) and continue toward Ledge Point. The wreck lies between Ledge and Herald Points, about 1 km north-west of Herald Point and 30 m from the base of the cliffs, at S 35° 01.018', E 118° 01.42'. Shore access involves a scramble down low cliffs and is only practical in flat conditions; most divers approach by small boat from Emu Point (about 15 minutes).

The Athena lies in the surf zone on the northern shore of King George Sound. Although the sound blocks most ocean swell, any southerly swell wrapping around Breaksea Island breaks over the site and makes it undiveable. It needs a flat sea, ideally after several days of light northerly or north-westerly winds.

Summer south-easterly sea breezes can chop it up by midday.

Enter on a flat day, swim to the wreck 30 m off the cliff and follow the timber remains from the stem end along the hull, looking at the breast hook, windlass barrel, knees, chain and hawse pipes. Stay shallow and exit the same way.

No regular operator; visited by local club divers, snorkellers and maritime archaeology enthusiasts.