Cosy Corner is a small sheltered cove on the Leeuwin coast near Augusta, and one of the few easy shore dives this far south. Marinelife.org.au describes reef platforms close to shore in about 7 m, with overhangs full of smaller fish such as scalyfin, blue devils, morwong, foxfish and harlequin fish, and warns about the steep hill from the car park when fully loaded with gear.

The overhangs are the attraction: western blue devils and harlequin fish are two of the most colourful temperate reef fish in Australia, and finding them in a few metres of water close to shore is a treat. Weed and kelp cover the reef tops, and the cove's shelter makes it pleasant on calm days.

It suits Open Water divers and snorkellers who are prepared for the climb back to the car. The offshore islands and reefs nearby (listed separately as Cosy Corner Offshore Reefs) are better reached by boat from Hamelin Bay.

There are no facilities at the site; Augusta has shops, fuel and accommodation.

The coast around Cape Leeuwin is where the Indian and Southern oceans meet, and it is one of the most exposed shorelines in Australia. The sheltered coves and bays near Augusta are the exceptions, which is why local divers value them. There is no dive shop in Augusta, so bring filled cylinders from Busselton or Perth, and remember that the nearest recompression chamber is at Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, about four hours' drive away. Ngari Capes Marine Park zoning includes sanctuary zones at Cape Leeuwin and East Flinders Bay, so check the maps before fishing or collecting.

From Augusta head north on Caves Road and turn west onto Cosy Corner Road (about 11 km from the southern end of Caves Road). Park at the car park; the walk down to the water is easy, but the steep hill back up with a full set of gear is hard work. Enter from the beach beside the reef platforms.

Sheltered cove between Hamelin Bay and Cape Leeuwin; best on calm summer mornings with easterly winds. Westerly and south-westerly swell makes the reef platforms surgy. General pattern on the Capes and Leeuwin coast: summer mornings often have light easterly (offshore) winds before a south-westerly sea breeze, and long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on otherwise calm days; winter fronts bring big swell and north-westerly winds.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology swell forecast, not just the wind.

Enter beside the reef platforms, explore the overhangs full of small fish at 3-7 m, and return to the same beach. 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 operator; self-guided shore dive and snorkel. Nearest dive services: Swan Dive (Busselton/Port Geographe) for fills, hire, nitrox and charters; no dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta.