Meet the site
Memory Cove is one of the most beautiful spots in Lincoln National Park, a white-sand cove with granite headlands inside a wilderness protection area where vehicle access is limited by permit. The Marine Life Society describes sheltered snorkel and scuba spots in 2-10 m, ringed by shallow granite with some crevices, and delicate seaweeds including Cystophora species and Ecklonia radiata. The cove is an important fish nursery, with many juvenile and sub-adult fish including western blue groper, and the shallow granite and weed are alive with small wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, old wives and zebrafish. Further out, 200-300 m offshore, the Society notes deeper sites with larger crevices, good fish life and thick weed beds. The site's name comes from Matthew Flinders, who in 1802 lost eight men when a boat capsized nearby and named the cove and surrounding islands in their memory. Memory Cove suits snorkellers, families and relaxed divers camping in the park, as well as boat divers exploring Thorny Passage. Its sheltered, north-facing position makes it workable in the south-westerly weather that closes more exposed sites. Because vehicle numbers are capped, the cove is rarely crowded even in summer, and campers can snorkel morning and evening when the water is calmest. The juvenile blue groper here are curious and will approach slowly moving snorkellers. Bring everything you need, including drinking water and full cylinders, as there are no services beyond basic camping facilities.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Memory Cove is recorded as Reef in Eyre Peninsula. The listed access is shore or boat. 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 Memory Cove suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Memory Cove 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
Juvenile western blue groper, wrasse, magpie perch, leatherjackets, old wives, zebrafish, Cystophora and Ecklonia seaweeds, crabs, sea stars
Location
Sheltered cove in the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area of Lincoln National Park, ringed by shallow granite, offering snorkel and scuba in 2-10 m; an important fish nursery.
Facilities nearby
Campsites with basic toilet (permit required); no water; Port Lincoln services.
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
marinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.