The Lubra was an iron steamship of 223 tons and 44 m, built in Glasgow in the 1860s and owned by the Adelaide Steamship Company, which ran her on the coastal route between Geraldton and Fremantle from the mid-1880s. In January 1898, damaged on departing Geraldton, she anchored in Jurien Bay to land cargo and passengers; an attempt to beach her went wrong and she was driven onto a reef near the south leads, between Favourite and Boullanger Islands. The year before, the Lubra had been involved in the unauthorised salvage of the Europa's cargo south of Jurien.

Very little of the ship remains recognisable. divingwawrecks describes sections of propeller shaft, the stern wedged in the reef and the 60 hp compound engine block, which rises so close to the surface that it creates a regular surf break. Depth is only 3-4 m and visibility 3-8 m, so the site suits snorkelling better than scuba.

The surrounding reef lies in the Jurien Bay Marine Park, close to the Boullanger Island sanctuary zone, with seagrass, limestone ledges and fish such as buffalo bream, herring, wrasse and sweep. It is a short and interesting stop for boaters exploring the islands, particularly combined with a snorkel at Boullanger Island or a sea lion tour.

Practical notes: the site sits close to the boat channel leading into Jurien Bay, so fly a dive flag and keep a lookout for returning cray boats. Snorkellers should approach from the sheltered side of the reef rather than across the break over the engine. The stern and shaft are the easiest parts to find.

Jurien Bay is about 220 km (2.5 hours) north of Perth via the Indian Ocean Drive. Launch at the Jurien Bay Boat Harbour; the wreck lies a few minutes away between Favourite and Boullanger Islands, south of the starboard channel marker, at S 30° 18.116', E 114° 59.891'. Anchor clear of the reef and swim in; the engine block creates a regular surf break.

The Turquoise Coast is protected by a line of offshore limestone reefs and islands that break the prevailing south-westerly swell, creating a lagoon of calm, clear water inshore. The main enemy is wind: the strong southerly sea breeze ('Fremantle Doctor') blows most summer afternoons from about 11 am, and winter north-westerly fronts bring storms and poor visibility. Mornings from October to April are best.

The Lubra's engine block sits so shallow that it creates a surf break; divingwawrecks gives under 0.5 m of swell as the diveable limit, with visibility of 3-8 m.

Snorkel in from the anchored boat to the engine block, then trace the propeller shaft sections to the stern wedged in the reef.

No scheduled trips; private boats. Better suited to snorkelling.