I'm relatively new in Western Australia myself so no expert, but:
UWAUC are very active around Perth, would be usually a bit of a drive for you (assuming you are living in Busselton?) No solo diving from the club boat.
Over time you do (partially) get over the price shock of the commercial boats considering they are generally a full day out with lunch included. AFAIK solo diving is not usually supported by the boat operators but I might be wrong. (I've never asked).
The recreational boat diving can be excellent. There aren't a plethora of shore dives, due to the generally exposed shoreline, but there are some nice shore dives around, given diveable conditions. Expect to need to do some driving to get to a variety of sites. If you really want to solo, I don't believe anyone will care what you get up to on a shore dive. It takes time to get into the local scene so don't panic. There are active FB groups for local divers (I'm not on FB).
Thanks a bunch for your detailed reply.
Went out driving along the coast today looking for possible places I can dive solo walking in off the beach. Think I've found 2 places that look pretty good, viz looks to be spectacular, depth pretty shallow but I'm ok with that. They have signs mentioning scuba diving so looks to be acceptable to dive there.
I'm not looking for the best dive spot in the world, I'm happy as long as I can walk in off the beach and dive for an hour or so, conditions as long as dive-able is good enough, if I see cool marine life it's a bonus but I'm ok seeing nothing. I just like to be in the water.
Feeling more positive today, if I can find just one spot I can call my local, I'll be super happy.
I'll drive out there again and take some photos, scenery is really quite spectacular, water very clear turquoise. It's in a somewhat sheltered bay so looks like it'd be ok unless extreme weather hits.
Been accosting anyone I see loading a boat to see if they know anything but thus far all have been visitors no locals.
I'll likely start hiring some tanks and do my own recon missions over the next few weeks.
I don't do FB either but might for info gathering purposes.
Yes, currently parked up in Busselton.
Apparently people dive off the side of the pier, I'll keep an eye out for them.
@lexvil i think you are right, cheers for the encouragement.
