The Kingfisher is one of the oldest iron shipwrecks in Western Australia. She was an iron barque built in 1854 and, like several old sailing ships at Albany, finished her days as a coal hulk in Princess Royal Harbour, storing bunker coal for the steamers that made Albany the colony's mail port in the late 19th century. Albany Advertiser sources give her loss or abandonment as 1905. The remains now lie in shallow water south of Melville Point in the western part of the harbour.

Marine Life Network describes the wreck as exposed at low water, making it a snorkel or photographic dive best done at high tide. The iron hull structure is partly intact, and with the waterline rising and falling across it the site offers an unusual split view of a 19th-century hull – part above, part below. Fish such as herring, whiting, blowfish and juvenile snapper shelter around the plating, and sponges, ascidians and weed grow on the iron.

This is a heritage site rather than a reef dive. Visibility in Princess Royal Harbour is usually poor, and the depth is only a metre or two, so scuba adds little; snorkelling or kayaking out on a high tide is the practical approach. It will appeal to maritime history enthusiasts, photographers interested in split shots, and families wanting an easy outing. Other Albany hulks – the Sarah Burnyeat off Residency Point and the Athena near Ledge Point – make an interesting trail for those who want to explore the port's coal-hulk history.

The wreck is protected historic material under WA law; climbing on or removing material is prohibited.

The Kingfisher lies in the western part of Princess Royal Harbour south of Melville Point, at S 35° 01.969', E 117° 52.172'. From Albany drive west along Frenchman Bay Road/Princess Royal Drive toward the harbour's western shore; parts of the hull are visible at low water. Shore access across harbour flats is muddy; a small boat or kayak from the Albany town ramp (about 10 minutes) is easier.

Visit at high water for snorkelling or photography.

Princess Royal Harbour is almost landlocked, so swell is never a factor; the issues are wind chop across the harbour (strong westerlies and easterlies), the tide and water clarity. The site is exposed at low water – visit on a high tide. Visibility in the harbour is typically low and falls further after rain or in strong winds that stir up the fine sediment.

Arrive around high tide and snorkel along the exposed iron hull, looking at the frames, plating and the fish and invertebrates that use it as shelter. Keep off the structure and avoid stirring the silt.

No operator; independent snorkel/photography visits by local divers and heritage enthusiasts.