The Georgette is one of Western Australia's best-known shipwreck stories. Marinelife.org.au describes her as a Fremantle-owned, 211-ton, 46 m schooner-rigged iron steamer wrecked on 1 December 1876 off Calgardup, north of Hamelin Bay. Seven people died when a lifeboat was launched, and survivors were helped ashore by Aboriginal stockman Sam Isaacs and 16-year-old Grace Bussell, who rode their horses into the surf - an act celebrated in WA history. The wreck was found in 1964.

Today the remains lie in shallow water and are only infrequently exposed above the sand; the site is very exposed in big seas. Marinelife.org.au notes that the shallow inshore reef nearby is good for snorkelling. The Margaret River region's safety guide describes the area just north of Redgate as stunning but advises observing it before diving.

This is primarily a heritage site: most of the time there is little or nothing of the ship to see, and conditions are often unsuitable. On rare calm days it offers a shallow snorkel over the reef and, if sand has moved, parts of the iron hull. The wreck is protected, and nothing may be disturbed.

It suits experienced snorkellers interested in history. Combine it with the Georgette memorial and the Redgate Beach lookout.

The Capes coast between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin faces the Indian Ocean and is famous for its surf, which is exactly what makes diving here so condition-dependent. Long-period south-westerly groundswell can arrive on calm, sunny days, and the regional ocean-safety guide advises observing a site in different conditions before diving it, never diving alone and flying a flag near boat ramps.

From Margaret River drive south on Caves Road and turn west on Redgate Road to the Redgate Beach car park (about 15 minutes). Walk onto the beach; the wreck lies in shallow water off Calgardup Bay and is only occasionally exposed above the sand. The Georgette memorial is nearby.

The nearest full-service dive shop for fills and hire is Swan Dive in Busselton; there is no dedicated dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta, so bring filled cylinders.

Very exposed in big seas (marinelife.org.au); only on flat days with easterly winds. Redgate Beach has strong rips in swell. The regional safety guide describes the area just north of Redgate as stunning but advises observing it first.

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.

On a flat day snorkel out to the wreck site and the shallow inshore reef, checking whether any iron is exposed, and return to the beach. Snorkellers should stay within easy reach of the exit point and swim with a buddy; scuba divers at these depths need no safety stop but should ascend slowly and surface near the float.

No operator; heritage snorkel for experienced swimmers. Nearest dive services: Swan Dive (Busselton/Port Geographe) for fills, hire, nitrox and charters; no dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta.