The Bunbury Artificial Reef was built for anglers rather than divers, but it has become a thriving habitat that is worth a look for divers with their own boat. According to Recfishwest and wikifishingspots, the Bunbury and Dunsborough reefs were installed in Geographe Bay in 2013/14, each made of 30 purpose-built, 10-tonne concrete modules placed within 5 km of shore and roughly opposite boat ramps. Madmackie gives the Bunbury reef's centre point as 33 18.500 S, 115 35.900 E in 17 m, about 6.5 km north-west of the Bunbury marina and reached from the Point Casuarina ramp, and notes that a further 90 concrete modules were added years later to enlarge the area.

The modules are hollow concrete boxes grouped in clusters. They have quickly been colonised by weed, sponges and invertebrates, and fish use them as shelter: pink snapper, dhufish, silver trevally, yellowtail kingfish and samson fish are the species anglers target. Divers can expect schools of smaller fish in and around the boxes and larger predators patrolling.

The reef is a sand-surrounded, low-relief site, so navigation between clusters needs a compass and good visibility. It suits Open Water divers comfortable at 17 m, and it combines naturally with the Lena, which lies nearby. The main hazards are fishing gear and anchors: hollow modules trap tackle, so watch for lines and hooks, and fly a dive flag because the site is heavily fished. New demersal fishing rules for the West Coast Bioregion were introduced in December 2025. Visibility is best on calm summer mornings.

Launch at the Point Casuarina boat ramp (Casuarina Boat Harbour) in Bunbury and run about 6.5 km north-west to the reef centre point. Locate the module clusters with a sounder and anchor on sand beside - not on - the modules, as anchors snag in the hollow boxes. Boat ramps along Geographe Bay include Bunbury (Casuarina), Busselton, Port Geographe, Quindalup and Dunsborough; on the Capes coast the Canal Rocks, Gracetown and Hamelin Bay ramps are small and swell-exposed.

Check the forecast, carry a marine radio and log a trip plan with the local Marine Rescue group.

Northern Geographe Bay site, sheltered from south-westerly swell but exposed to north-westerly winds and winter storms. Dive in calm conditions, ideally morning easterlies in summer. Because it is a popular fishing spot, expect boats and lines overhead.

General pattern in Geographe Bay: sheltered from south-westerly swell by Cape Naturaliste; summer mornings are calm before the afternoon sea breeze, while winter north-westerly fronts roll swell and chop into the bay and reduce visibility for several days.

Anchor on sand near a cluster, descend and circuit the modules, looking into the boxes for fish, then move to the next cluster if visibility allows; ascend the anchor line with a DSMB ready. Agree a turn pressure before descending (half gas, or a third where current is likely), carry a DSMB, and make a 3-minute safety stop at 5 m.

No regular dive charter - built as a recreational fishing reef; occasionally dived from private boats. Nearest dive services: Octopus Garden Dive Charters and Coastal Water Dive in Bunbury; Swan Dive in Busselton.