Point Gilbert (also known as Port Gilbert) sits at the southeastern tip of Yorke Peninsula near the small village of Port Moorowie. This sheltered, south-facing sandy beach backed by low bluffs offers easy shore-entry snorkeling in calm, shallow waters (1–3 m depth). Snorkelers can explore rocky ledges about 50 m offshore, home to dusky morwong, old wives, zebra fish, and goatfish. The site is a known Port Jackson shark nursery, and the adjacent reef is accessible from shore. With good visibility and gentle conditions on calm days, it's a popular beginner-friendly spot that rewards patient explorers.
Point Gilbert / Port Gilbert (Port Moorowie)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.5 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 14 knPrecipitation 9.8 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Wind swell (southerly/westerly)
Winds from the south or west create choppy conditions and reduce visibility. Best snorkeled in light east or northerly winds.
Low risk: Wind swell (southerly/westerly)
Winds from the south or west create choppy conditions and reduce visibility. Best snorkeled in light east or northerly winds.
Low risk: Shallow reef ledges
Rock ledges approximately 50 m offshore can be sharp. Swim carefully and avoid standing on reef.
Low risk: Cool water temperatures
Water temps range 17–22°C. A full-length wetsuit is recommended even in summer.
Low risk: Southerly and westerly winds
Southerly or westerly winds create choppy conditions and reduce visibility; aim for light easterly or northerly winds.
Low risk: Limited marine life visibility
The area can be sparse for marine sightings; spear fishing pressure may reduce fish abundance.
Low risk: Shallow rocks and ledges
Rock ledges about 50 m from shore can be encountered; care needed to avoid scraping on submerged rocks.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Yorketown, take the road to Port Moorowie (~15 km). Enter the village at the water tank mural, turn onto Marine Parade Road, and follow the coast to a short dirt road leading to the Gilbert Point carpark. From the carpark, a short walking path with steps leads to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Formal gravel carpark at Point Gilbert. Free and no booking required.
parkingpicnic_tablestoilets
Free. No entry or parking fees.
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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