Diving And Snorkelling
The Yorke Peninsula is one of South Australia's key diving areas, whether you are scuba diving or snorkelling there is a whole new world of life to explore around the shores and jetties of Yorke Peninsula.
Due to the combination of unspoilt ocean waters and different habitats including sandy beaches, reefs and islands, there is a huge diversity and abundance of fish and crustacean species.
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Two underwater Maritime Heritage Trails provide excellent diving
opportunities for beginners and the experienced. (These trail books are
available from The Farm Shed Museum & Tourism Centre, Kadina and the Yorke Peninsula Visitor Information Centre, Minlaton on
Yorke Peninsula, or the Department of Environment and Heritage in
Adelaide).
Shipwrecks - Explore, photograph and enjoy these shipwrecks, but please do not interfere with them or disturb them in any way. Be mindful not to anchor over them, as anchors can do immense damage to these fragile wrecks.
Key Dive Sites
Edithburgh Jetty
Renowned for its spectacular diving and easy access
for all levels of experience. Expect to see marine life including
big-bellied seahorses, Port Jackson sharks, leafy sea dragons,
cuttlefish, a variety of fish and colourful corals.
Point Gilbert at Port Moorowie
Fantastic shallow snorkelling, with
great visibility. Expect to see a Port Jackson shark nursery and huge
eagle rays.
Wardang Island
The Wardang Island Maritime Heritage Trail has 8
shipwrecks within 10 miles of each other to explore in clear shallow
waters making it ideal for novice shipwreck divers. Amazingly no lives
were lost in any of these shipwrecks which ranged from schooner's,
barques, an iron ship weighing in at 2128 tons, steamers and barges.
Investigator Strait
The Investigator Strait Maritime Heritage Trail
lies between Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island and features 26
shipwrecks dating from 1849 to 1892. These vessels range from the
famous Clan Ranald - a huge 3596 ton steel steamer which sank west of
Troubridge Hill in 1909 to the Welling, a 10 ton wooden fishing cutter.
There are many more wrecks that still await discovery!
Please note the waters of Investigator Strait can be treacherous as shown by the number of ships that have come to rest there, please take all safety precautions and advise someone of your whereabouts.
Parsons Beach reef
On a calm day this is the perfect spot for
beginners to snorkel, the reef runs the length of Parsons Beach with a
variety of marine life to observe in the shallows. Only accessible by
4WD vehicles, or you can park your car and walk along the beach.
Stenhouse Bay Jetty
Difficult access makes this available to
experienced divers only, offering clear water with an abundance of
marine life.
The Zanoni shipwreck
Lying 10 nautical miles southeast of Ardrossan,
the ship is the most intact 19th century merchant sailing vessel
located in SA. The 338-ton barque was built in Liverpool, England, in
1865 and arrived at Port Adelaide on 13 January 1867. Nearly a month
later, laden with wheat, she set sail for London, but sank after
running into a violent storm. People interested in diving can obtain
permits from the Maritime Heritage Branch of the Department for
Environment and Heritage.
For more dive spots visit: dive.southaustralia.com
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Air Fill Stations
Edithburgh
Motors
55 Blanche Street, Edithburgh
Yorkes
Surf and Tackle
Shop 2, Main Road, Marion Bay
IGA
Supermarket
23 Main Street, Port Victoria
G
& D Auto
Thompson Street, Wallaroo