Nestled within Coffin Bay National Park on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula, the swimming area near the Golden Island Lookout offers calm, protected waters perfect for snorkelling. A natural reef ledge shields a shallow lagoon from the Southern Ocean swell, creating a clear, turquoise pool teeming with life. Golden Island itself rises dramatically offshore, framing a scene of untouched coastal beauty. Accessible by sealed road and a short walk from the parking area, this is a spectacular spot to float above the reef and take in the park's raw, windswept coastline.
Golden Island (swimming area near lookout)
BeginnerSKIP
SKIP
Poor conditions. Stay out today.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 2.0 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 1.7 knPrecipitation 6.1 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Golden Island (swimming area near lookout) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Remote Location danger
Golden Island is far from emergency services and medical facilities. Self-sufficiency is essential.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Remote Location
Golden Island is far from emergency services and medical facilities. Self-sufficiency is essential.
Moderate risk: No lifeguard patrol
This remote beach within a national park is not patrolled by lifeguards.
Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Swells
Southern Ocean swells can create powerful surge conditions around the island, particularly on exposed sides.
Moderate risk: Boat Access Only
No shore access; requires boat transport and careful anchoring. Swimmers must be confident in open ocean conditions.
Low risk: Reef ledge drop-off
The protective reef ledge has a sudden drop-off into deeper Southern Ocean waters beyond the lagoon.
Low risk: Southern Ocean swell
Exposed to Southern Ocean conditions; swell can increase unexpectedly, affecting the protected lagoon.
Low risk: Slippery rocks
Rocks around the lookout and entry point can be slippery, especially when wet.
Low risk: Cold Water Temperatures
Water temperatures in the Great Australian Bight can be very cold (12-16°C), requiring thick wetsuits.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Port Lincoln, drive 30 minutes west to Coffin Bay National Park. Follow the sealed road south past Point Avoid to the Golden Island Lookout sign. A short walk from the parking area leads down to the lookout and swimming area.
Parking & facilities
Designated car park near the Golden Island Lookout, accessible by 2WD vehicle. Sealed road leads to the parking area.
parkingpicnic_tables
National park vehicle entry fee applies ($11.60–$14.40 per vehicle, subject to change). Park permit required.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports