Kilcarnup is a remote shore site north of Prevelly on the Margaret River coast. Marinelife.org.au describes a 6 m, heavily limestone reef with a variety of fish and marine life: inshore, blue devilfish, old wives, scalyfin and wrasse; further offshore, morwong, groper and buffalo bream. Access requires a 4WD and a steep 50 m walking track to the water. It has some protection from westerly weather, visibility improves after calm conditions, and it is good for a snorkel or night dive.

The limestone reef provides ledges and holes for fish, and the relative shelter makes it one of the more diveable spots on this stretch of coast. The remoteness means few visitors, and the fish are unpressured.

It suits experienced, self-sufficient shore divers and snorkellers with a 4WD, and it is one of the few Margaret River sites described as suitable for night diving. Carrying scuba gear down and up the steep track is the main challenge; many visitors snorkel instead.

Published detail is limited, so the position and depths are indicative. Check 4WD track conditions and national park access rules before visiting.

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. Go with a local if possible.

Kilcarnup lies on the coast north of Prevelly and the Margaret River mouth, in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Access requires a 4WD on sandy tracks, followed by a steep 50 m walking track down to the water - hard work with scuba gear. 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.

Some protection from westerly weather (marinelife.org.au); visibility improves after calm conditions. Still an ocean coast - dive on small-swell days with easterly winds. 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.

Descend the track, enter in the sheltered area, explore the limestone reef inshore at 3-6 m, and venture offshore only in calm conditions. 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; self-guided by local divers. Nearest dive services: Swan Dive (Busselton/Port Geographe) for fills, hire, nitrox and charters; no dive shop in Margaret River or Augusta.