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.
Stenhouse Bay / Inneston (Innes National Park)
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
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© User:DXRDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Stenhouse Bay / Inneston (Innes National Park) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Large swells danger
The site is susceptible to large swells. Only dive/snorkel on low swell days.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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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.
Gallery
5 photos from the community
Getting in
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.
Carpark area approximately 300 metres from the jetty entry point.
Vehicle day entry fee applies to Innes National Park (approx. $14.40 per vehicle). Day permit must be purchased prior to entry.
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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.