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Stenhouse Bay / Inneston (Innes National Park)

IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE

Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.

Showing last known conditions

Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 10 sWind Speed 15 knPrecipitation 17 mmTidal Phase ebb

Last evaluated

Primary photo of Stenhouse Bay / Inneston (Innes National Park) © User:DXR

The spot

Community-maintained

Community contribution: submitted by Daniel

Stenhouse Bay, within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, centres on a historic heritage-listed jetty that has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef over its century-long existence. The jetty's pylons are cloaked in colourful cold-water sponges, seaweeds, and pink gorgonian corals, while the shallow turquoise waters near the entry offer crystal-clear conditions on calm days. The site is renowned for its prolific basket stars clinging to pylons and reef structures, with an overturned vehicle acting as a quirky artificial reef at the jetty's end. Surrounded by pristine beaches and dramatic cliff faces, this spot delivers a uniquely rewarding cold-water snorkelling experience.

Know before you go

Logged by the community, confirmed by mods

  • High risk: Large swells

    The site is susceptible to large swells. Only dive/snorkel on low swell days.

  • Moderate risk: Steep cliff entry via vertical ladder

    Access is via a vertical step ladder down from the cliff; requires carrying gear and caution.

  • Moderate risk: Ocean swell

    This exposed bay can experience significant swell, making entry dangerous. Only attempt in minimal swell conditions.

  • Moderate risk: Steep cliff access

    The shore entry requires descending a steep cliff path, which can be treacherous when wet or in windy conditions.

  • Moderate risk: Vertical ladder entry

    Entry is via a vertical step ladder from the jetty. Carrying fins, mask, or cameras while climbing requires care and balance.

  • Moderate risk: Large ocean swells

    The site is exposed to open ocean swells. Snorkel on low-swell days only; large swells make entry and snorkelling dangerous.

  • Low risk: Long walk from car park

    Approximately 300 m walk from the car park to the jetty entry point with gear.

  • Low risk: Strong surge

    Surge conditions near the jetty and rocky reef can disorient swimmers and push snorkelers against structures.

  • Low risk: Cold water temperatures

    Water at the jetty end can reach up to 10m depth. Cold water temperatures require appropriate wetsuit thickness.

Wildlife Guide

No wildlife notes for this spot yet.

5 photos from the community

Getting in

Shore entry
Entry

Located at the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula, approximately 3 hours 15 minutes drive from Adelaide. Enter via Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park and follow signs to Stenhouse Bay Jetty.

Parking & facilities

Carpark area approximately 300 metres from the jetty entry point.

parkingpicnic_tablestoilets

Vehicle day entry fee applies to Innes National Park (approx. $14.40 per vehicle). Day permit must be purchased prior to entry.

Spot Map

Community

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Gallery ┬╖ 5 photos

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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