Point Riley is a striking headland jutting into Spencer Gulf, located just north of Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula. This scenic rocky point is accessed via a dirt road off North Beach Road and offers a wild, exposed snorkeling experience. The coastal waters here feature rocky reefs interspersed with sandy patches and seagrass meadows, where snorkelers can encounter Port Jackson sharks, leafy sea dragons, basket starfish, and boxfish. The area is known for its rugged beauty and relatively undisturbed marine environment, though conditions can be challenging due to open ocean exposure. Best snorkeled on calm, low-wind days with good visibility.
Point Riley
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 12 sWind Speed 5.9 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Exposed open ocean conditions
Point Riley is exposed to Spencer Gulf swells and winds, creating unpredictable surf and surge conditions that can make entry and exit dangerous.
Moderate risk: Strong offshore winds
Southerly and south-westerly winds can pick up quickly, causing rough surface conditions and making it difficult to swim back to shore.
Low risk: Rocks and sharp reef
The shoreline consists of rocky terrain and the reef can have sharp edges. Care needed during entry and exit, especially when surf is running.
Low risk: Remote access via dirt road
The dirt road access can become boggy or impassable after rain, and there are no nearby facilities or emergency services.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Point Riley is located north of Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula. From Wallaroo, head north along North Beach Road and turn onto the unsealed Point Riley Road (dirt track). Follow the track to the coastal parking area at the point.
Parking & facilities
Unsealed parking area at the end of the dirt access road. Limited space.
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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