Meet the site
The Grange Tyre Reef is one of the older artificial reefs off Adelaide, laid by the state Fisheries Department in the late 1970s (Wikivoyage says early 1980s) about 4 km off West Beach and Grange. The Sea Wolves describe old tyre squares spread over a large area of sand, while Wikivoyage refers to tetrahedron modules of used car tyres ballasted with concrete. The tyres sit in about 15 m of water, with the deepest sand around 18 m. Like its counterparts off Glenelg and Noarlunga, the reef was intended to create fish habitat on a featureless seabed, and it supports a wide variety of life according to local sources. The modules are coated in sponges and small invertebrates, and fish such as old wives, bullseyes, leatherjackets, magpie perch and whiting gather around them. The Federation notes that weedy seadragons are occasionally seen, an unusual bonus for an offshore artificial reef. Because it is quite spread out and the modules look similar, navigation takes some care, and visibility can be variable. No specific hazards are noted beyond those of any offshore boat site, but loose straps and tyres can snag gear. The Grange Tyre Reef is a quieter alternative to the Glenelg wrecks for divers launching at West Beach, and a good site for those interested in the history of South Australia's artificial reef program. It suits Open Water divers with offshore experience and anyone keen to search for weedy seadragons away from the crowds. Bring a compass and a surface marker, and plan a conservative turn point, as the anchor can be surprisingly hard to find again among identical modules in poor visibility.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Grange Tyre Reef is recorded as Artificial Reef in Adelaide Metro. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Grange Tyre Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Grange Tyre Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Old wives, bullseyes, leatherjackets, magpie perch, King George whiting, weedy seadragons (occasional), sponges, spider crabs
Location
Tyre modules laid by the Fisheries Department in the late 1970s-early 1980s, spread over a large area of sand in about 15-18 m, about 4 km offshore.
Facilities nearby
West Beach and North Haven boat ramps.
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.
Sources & further reading
seawolves.org.ausdfsa.netthediveshack.com.auen.wikivoyage.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.