Meet the site
Point Avoid is one of the scenic highlights of Coffin Bay National Park, where limestone cliffs and white beaches face the Southern Ocean. The Marine Life Society describes a sheltered limestone reef between Point Avoid and Golden Island, in 2-5 m, partly protected from the incessant south-westerly swell and only rarely dived on low-swell days. The shallow sheltered reef is good for snorkellers, with many small crevices and a thick covering of bushy brown algae (Cystophora monilifera and C. moniliformis), and it is an important nursery for juvenile and sub-adult fish including western blue groper. The more exposed side is rockier and more varied, carpeted in strapweed (Ecklonia) and Acrocarpia, with larger fish. Expect magpie perch, zebrafish, wrasse, old wives, sweep and leatherjackets, with abalone and crayfish in the cracks. The difficulty is the swell: this coast is exposed to the Bight, and only on a handful of calm days does the reef become safely diveable. Access is also a factor, requiring a 4WD drive through the national park. Point Avoid suits self-sufficient, experienced shore divers and snorkellers who can read the sea and pick their day. On a good day it offers clear water, juvenile blue groper and a spectacular wilderness setting. The national park's camping areas allow divers to stay nearby and watch for a calm morning, and snorkellers can enjoy the sheltered inner reef when it is too rough for scuba on the exposed side.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Point Avoid – Golden Island Reef is recorded as Reef in Eyre Peninsula. The listed access is shore. 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.
- 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 Point Avoid – Golden Island 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 Point Avoid – Golden Island 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
Juvenile western blue groper, magpie perch, zebrafish, wrasse, old wives, sweep, leatherjackets, abalone, southern rock lobster, Cystophora, Ecklonia and Acrocarpia algae
Location
Sheltered limestone reef between Point Avoid and Golden Island in Coffin Bay National Park, about 45 km west of Port Lincoln, partly protected from the incessant south-westerly swell; 2-5 m.
Facilities nearby
Coffin Bay National Park camping areas (basic); services in Coffin Bay township.
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 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.