Meet the site
Steep Point is the westernmost point of the Australian mainland, a place of high limestone cliffs where the Indian Ocean meets South Passage, the entrance to Shark Bay between the mainland and Dirk Hartog Island. It is famous for land-based game fishing – over 320 fish species have been recorded – and for its remoteness: the last 200 km are sand tracks, and an entry permit from the rangers is required.
The Shark Bay tourism authority describes Monkey Rock at Steep Point, located on a fault line, as one of Shark Bay's best-known dive sites, reachable by boat or land but requiring optimal weather. The fault line produces walls and ledges, and the confluence of ocean and bay water brings large fish – the same pelagics that draw the rock fishers: mackerel, tuna, cobia, trevally, sharks (which frequently take hooked fish) – as well as reef species on the wall.
This is expedition diving for highly experienced, self-sufficient divers: strong currents, swell, sharks, no services and a very long way from recompression. The Steep Point rangers can advise on conditions and track access.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Monkey Rock (Steep Point) is recorded as Wall in Kalbarri & Shark Bay. 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.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Monkey Rock (Steep Point) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Monkey Rock (Steep Point) 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
Spanish mackerel, tuna, cobia, trevally, sharks (tiger, bronze whaler), reef fish, corals
Location
One of Shark Bay's best-known dive sites, on a fault line at Steep Point, Australia's westernmost mainland point; reached by boat or land in optimal conditions.
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
sharkbay.orgen.wikipedia.orgRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.