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South Australia · Reef

Cape Willoughby

Current-swept reef below South Australia's oldest lighthouse (1852) at KI's eastern tip.

Kangaroo IslandShore or Boat
YouDive mascot illustration; not a photograph or site map

Mascot illustration — not a photograph or site map.

Depth
2–20 m
Certification
Advanced Open Water
Access
Shore or Boat
Dive type
Reef
Region
Kangaroo Island

Depth describes the recorded site range, not a recommended dive depth. Certification is a recorded recommendation; suitability depends on your planned route, training, experience and current conditions.

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Location & map

Approximate area

Area reference only. The exact dive location has not been confirmed. This map is for orientation, not marine navigation or an entry-point recommendation.

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Meet the site

Cape Willoughby is the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island, where South Australia's first lighthouse was lit in 1852 to guide ships through Backstairs Passage.

The cape faces the open junction of Backstairs Passage and the Southern Ocean. Tidal streams run hard around the point, and swell from the south and south-east breaks on the rock platforms. Underwater, divers can expect granite and limestone reef with kelp and brown algae, ledges and boulders sheltering rock lobster, and the fish of current-swept headlands – sweep, salmon, trevally, kingfish and western blue groper. Sea lions and fur seals range along this coast, and the same currents that bring fish also bring larger predators.

Nearby Antechamber Bay, to the north-west, is more sheltered and holds the remains of the schooner Kona, and Penneshaw offers easier shore diving. The Cape Willoughby lighthouse is open for tours, with cottages available to stay in. For experienced divers with a boat, calm weather and good knowledge of the tides, the cape could offer lively, fishy reef diving; for others it is a place to visit on land. Visiting divers who want to try it should seek local knowledge first – the island's fishers and the Kingscote dive shop know the tides and landing spots. Carry a DSMB and signalling device, and brief a shore contact on your plan before entering the water.

Some details in this record need confirmation. Check the source information and speak with a local operator.

What you might see

Kelp, rock lobster, sweep, salmon, trevally, yellowtail kingfish, western blue groper; seals and sea lions possible

Location

The eastern tip of Kangaroo Island, marked by South Australia's first lighthouse (1852), facing Backstairs Passage; exposed reef and rock platforms.

Facilities nearby

Lighthouse car park, toilets, tours and heritage cottages at Cape Willoughby Conservation Park.

Before you make plans

Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.

Record updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.