The Highland Forest was a 1,040-ton, 74 m steel barque, built in 1884, and has a literary connection: Joseph Conrad served aboard her as first mate in 1887, an episode he later wrote about in The Mirror of the Sea. On 29 April 1901, approaching Fremantle, Captain Chapman stopped taking soundings and failed to check the ship's position. At 5 am she ran onto the Murray Reefs with all sails set and took 14 feet of water in her holds within 15 minutes. All 18 on board survived, including the captain's wife and young child.

The wreck lies in 6–8 m on the first reef chain south of Point Becher, off Port Kennedy. Most of it is heavily covered in kelp. The bow is still recognisable, with the iron sides collapsed outwards, and the wreckage covers roughly 30 m by 15 m. On the far side of a nearby sand hole are impressive caves and swim-throughs in the reef, which add to the dive.

The Murray Reefs are covered in Ecklonia kelp, with sea fans under the overhangs, buffalo bream, wrasse, sweep and western rock lobster in the crevices.

The site is exposed and needs calm conditions, but it is a short run from Port Kennedy. It suits Open Water divers who enjoy both historic wrecks and limestone reef, and anyone interested in Conrad's life at sea. It is protected as a historic shipwreck, so nothing may be removed. Combine it with the Chalmers and the Sisters to the north for a day of historic wreck diving out of Port Kennedy.

Launch at the Port Kennedy boat ramp (about 10 minutes) or the Bent Street ramp in Safety Bay (a 5-mile crossing of Warnbro Sound). The wreck lies at S 32°23.688' E 115°40.802' on the Murray Reefs south of Point Becher. Divingwawrecks notes a sand hole suitable for anchoring south-west of the GPS position.

The reef is about 3 miles offshore, so check swell before crossing.

Exposed to ocean swell on the outer Murray Reefs; dive in swell of 1 m or less with winds under 15 knots, preferably easterly. Westerly swell breaks over the reef chain and creates heavy surge. The summer sea breeze builds from late morning, so plan an early start.

Visibility falls after storms.

Anchor in the sand hole south-west of the mark, descend and locate the bow, then explore the collapsed sides and the caves and swim-throughs across the sand hole. Return to the anchor along the reef edge at 6–8 m.

No regular operator; private boats and clubs.