Last summer, the City ran a short trial using megaphones to kindly remind visitors not to climb on the Omeo Shipwreck. Feedback from beachgoers and nearby residents was positive, with no negative responses from neighbours.

Building on this, the City will run another trial from 1 December 2025 to 20 April 2026. During this time, trained volunteers will use a small megaphone to kindly encourage responsible snorkelling and remind visitors to avoid standing on the wreck.

If the use of megaphones has negative impacts on the community, the City will review the program and may adjust the schedule or end the trial.

Why it Matters
The Omeo Shipwreck is a key attraction on the Coogee Maritime Trail. It serves as an underwater museum for visitors and a safe refuge for marine life. Despite ongoing education efforts, some incidents of climbing on the wreck or removing items continue to occur. This initiative aims to protect the wreck while allowing everyone to enjoy it safely.

When Will It Happen?

• Monday to Saturday: 7am – 1pm
• Sunday: 9am – 1pm

Have Your Say
We want to hear from you! Do you support this approach? Are there any concerns or suggestions you’d like to share? Your feedback will help the City ensure the trial works for both the community and the environment.

The City is committed to implementing appropriate measures to safeguard the cultural heritage and significance of the Omeo Shipwreck and the Coogee Maritime Trail.

The Omeo Shipwreck is a key feature and major attraction of the Coogee Maritime Trail. It provides refuge to various marine species and is an accessible underwater museum for visitors to explore. Despite prior and ongoing initiatives to educate the local community and visitors about responsible snorkelling and recreational activities, managing incidents involving climbing on the wreck or people removing items from the site remains a challenge.

In response, the City is trialling the use of megaphones by volunteers to communicate with people who are mistreating the shipwreck.

Protecting the wreck and trail is a key priority for the City. To continue improving management onsite, the City, supported by volunteers, is planning a communication trial with wreck climbers from 2 April to 20 April 2025.

• Trained Coogee Maritime Trail volunteers will communicate via a small megaphone to kindly remind users to snorkel responsibly and avoid climbing or standing on the shipwreck.

• The use of megaphones will occur between 7am and 1pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 1pm on Sundays.